Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-02-22
(Continued.)

and I will 90 down and keep him
there"
Then make my excuses to him for
my rudeneSs. | do not wish if l
should meet him some day, in a less
amiabIe mood, that he should pick a
quarrel with me-"
You are right; 1 fear you would
come worst off. But be easy, l will
excuse you"
But have you no commission for
her h~ighness?"
Yes; say to her, these two words,
Bordeaux, yes
Twill she know what that means?"
Perfectly, and she may set Out with
safety. | answer for it."
"Pompey, my friend said the
vicomte, calling, I'VE are going to
START
ooh! NJ. lie Vicomte," said Pompey,
there will be a frightful storm, |
am sure
"a storm, PompeyI' cried Richou.
"why there is not a cloud in the sky"
"But we might miss our way in the
night
1T would be difficult; you have only
to follow the high road; besides,
there is a magnificent moonlight"
ooh, M. Richou, you understand 1
am not speaking for myself"
Il should think nOt-an old soldier"
"Nhen Z mas fought against the
Spaniards, and been wounded at the
battle of Corbie-'
Zone fears nothing. of course. That
is lucky, for here is NJ. lie Vicomte not
quite so brave"
oh" said Pompey, growing pale,
you are afraid?"
Not with you, my brave POmpey; [
know you would sooner die than let
any harm come to me-"
Doubtless; but still if you are
afraid, we had better wait till tomor-
row
Impossible, my good Pompey. Take
this gold on your saddle, and I will
join you Immediately"
at is a large sum to risk by travel
ling at night"
There is no danger; at least Richou
says SO. Are your pistols in good
orderY"
"You forget [ am an old soldier"
See" said Richou, you must be safe
with such a companion. A pleasant
journey to you, vicomte."
"Thank you, Richou, but it is Il long
one"
"Oh! it will o be over. My hon.
age to the princess; tell her that [
am hers to death; and do not forget
HE two words, Bordeaux. yes Now
/ will go to M. de Candles"
Then the vicomte, wrapping himself
In a thick cloak, Joined Pompey, and
they were O0n out of sight.
h cry of joy with which Candles
welcomed Richou when he entered,
proved that he bore no resentment.
Two bottles were already empty on the
table, another sparkled in the light of
the wax candles, while figs, almonds,
and biscuits were t~emptingly display
ed. Candles waS\ no anch0rite. and,
as a protestant, piOusly diSbelieyed in
those holy men who had gained heaven
by drinking water and eating roots.
"Ah," cried he, welcome, my dear
Richou. | wanted some one to whom
l LliShI SluS lIlS pIdlSpS Ol M. DIS
carros; [ was nearly reduced to begin
with CaStorin. NJ. BiScarros is a real
artist, Il man whom [ will recommend
to all my friends. Listen to the bill
of fare; [ have had soup, picked
oysters, cartridges with truff1es, peas
with sugar, jelly with cherries in it,
washed down with chambertin and
then this dessert. Sarpejeu, I am in
a good humor, and Biscarros is a great
man. Sit down, lRichou. You have
tipped? what matter? I have Supped
so. but that is nothing, we will be-
again"
THANK you. baron said Richou,
aughing, "but I am not hungry"
"Well, one is always thirsty. at all
events. so sit down and drink"
Richou obeyed.
Then you have supped," continued
Candles. with your rascal Of a
vicomte? Pardon. Richou, he is a
charming Lad. and I owe to him that
I sit comfortably here, instead of hav-
ing three or four holes through my
body: therefore I am very grateful to
this handsome Ganymede. But" con-
tinued he, more seriously, 81 believe
you are conspiring. my dear Richou."
RichOu laughed, but not heartily.
do you know that I had half a
mind to have you arrested, you and
your little vicomte?"
At that moment they heard the
sound of horses feet.
"Ahr' said Candles. listening. "who
IS that. do you know. Richou?'
81 believe So"
"VVho, then?"
Our little friend, setting off"
without saying adieu?" cried Ca
nolles: decidedly, he is a savage"
Not at all, my dear baron; only a
man in Il hurry"
Candles frowned. well. it is a
singular way of behaving, and I be-
neve if I come across him. | shall be
tempted to let him know my opinion"
DO not be angry, my dear baron,
the vicomte is not so bad as you think;
for he charged me. when he went
away. to express his regrets to you,
and say everything polite for him."
"Oh. he thinks to get over his rude
ness with a few honeyed words. Cor
quarrel with some one. Richou, my
friend. I think you are very ugly
Richou laughed. LET us play. baron.
ut will do as we'll as quarrelling,
hans.