Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-03-15

m my letter from NJ. lie vicomte de
Turenne"
The princess gave him her hand to
kiss, and he Joined the others.
This example was initiated by all
and each showed his credentials; until
at last, there only remained Cauvagnac
and his companions. Lenet glanced
toward the door, behind which he
knew twelve armed men to be waiting,
and then turning toward them. said.
And you, gentlemen; will you not
name yourselves, and show your ere,
dentialS?'
They all looked and felt most uneasy.
except Cauvagnac, who remained calm
and smiling. He bowed gracefully and
said, Il am Roland de Cauvagnac. and
I bring to your highness' service six
Of the first gentlemen of Guienne.
but who desire to preserve their in
cognito.''
But you did not, doubtless. come
without a letter from some one, mon
sieur?''
Cauya gnac, bowling again. drew out
paper, and presented it to Lenet. whose
gloomy look suddenly changed to a joy
full one. look, madam" said he to
the princess: there is good fortune:
it is a blank signature of NJ. d'Eper-
nom"
Howl cried the princess. "a thou
sand thanks, sir, for myself. my hus-
band, and my SON"
The spectators were struck with sur
prise.
'sSir," said Lenet, doubtless this
paper IS too valuable to be given freely
to us; after supper you shall tell us
how we can serve you:" and he put
the precious signature into his pocket.
"Now to table, gentlemen" said the
princess.
Did l not promise you supper with
the Due d'Enghien?" said Cauyagnac
to his companions.
The supper was a very merry one.
and the health Of the princess was
drank ten times on their knees, with
their swords drawn, and mingled with
lmprecationS against de Mazarin. All
did full honor to the feast; but eau
yagnac took care to keep his senses
about him, for the bargain which was
to take place after it. Toward the
cid Of the repast, the princess left
them, with her son; it was nearly nine
O'Clock, and she was to leave at ten,
so she went to prepare.
Meanwhile, Lenet and Cauvagnac
went to the cabinet. Monsieur" said
Lenet, 81 must first restore to YOU YOUR
property. May 1 ask if you possess it
with the consent of the duke?"
Il had it from his own hand"
'And it was not extorted by VIC
lence? 1 do not say by you, but by
some one|'
ut was given to me by the duke
himself and willingly
"Are you bound to employ it in any
particular manner?"
81 entered into no engagement at
all"
Then any one may use it with
safety?"
Perfectly"
'Then, why do you not use it your
self?"
Because, by so doing. I should only
gain one thing. By giving it to you
I shall gain two"
what are they"
First, money!
eve have little
81 shall be reasonable"
And the second?''
HE ranks in the army Of NJ. de
Condo"
He has no army"
"But one is going to be raised"
would you not prefer brevet to
raise a company yourself?'
81 was about to propose it to you"
''Then, the money; what do you ask?'
''Ten thousand francs"
"Ten thousand francsw
eyes, shall require a good deal to
arm and equip my men,"
every we'll" !
you eonsentT'
"Yes." Lenet then drew out a brevet
ready signed, and, opening a drawer,
counted out the sum agreed on. Just
IS he had finished and locked I'D the
signature, a valet came IN, with
abr, to say that he was want
ed. Cauyagnac returned to the supper
table and Lenet followed the servant.
ITO no Continued