The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-07-21

The lad seemed 20 have gone off his head
his eyes shining, his face deadly white
and such grin set about his mouth as
made the farmer shrink away from him.
] can see him now. leaning forward on
his brown horse with his eager gaze fixed
upon the great black tower.
Why do you cali It the Castle OF
Gloom" / asked.
We'll. IL is the name II bears upon the
country side said the farmer. by all
accounts, there have been some black do
ings up yonder It's not for nothing that
the wickedest man in Poland has been
living there these fourteen years past"
Polish nobleman?'' l asked.
Nay, we breed no such men in Poland, -
he answered.
"a Frenchman, then" cried Duroc.
'They say that he came from France"
And with red hair?''
'As red as a fox"
Eyes. yes. AZ is my man." cried my COM
panion. quivering all over in his excite
ment. 1T is the hand OF Providence
which has led me here. Who can say
that there Is not justice in this woridp
Come. Monsieur Gerard, for I must see
the men safely CHARTERED before I can
attend to this private matter" He
spurred on his horse, and ten minutes
later we were at the door OF the Inn at
Arensdorf, where his men were TO fnf
their quarters for the night.
Well, this was no affair of mine, and
could not imagine what the meaning of It
might be. Rossel was still far off, but
determined to ride on for a few hours
and take my chance OF finding some way
side barn in which could find shelter for
Rataplan and myself. l had mounted my
horse. therefore. after tossing off Il cup OF
wine, when young Duroc came running
out Of the door and laid his hand upon
my knee.
Monsieur Gerard" he painted. IT beg
OF you not 20 abandon me like this"
"My good sir" said I. 'if you would
tell me what is the matter and what you
would wish me 70 Go. I should be better
able 10 tell you If l could be OF any as
sistance TO you"
You can be of the very greatest" he
cried Indeed from all that have heard
Of you, Monsieur Gerard, you are the one
man whom T should wish to have by my
side tonight"
''You forge5 that am riding TO Join my
regiment"
you cannot In any case reach II to-
night. Tomorrow will bring you 20 Ros-
sell BY staying with me you will confer
the greatest kindness upon me, and you
viii aid me in a matter which concerns
my own honor and the honor or my fam
ily. lam compelled. however. to confess
10 you that some personal danger may
possibly be involved"
II was a crafty thing for him 20 say
or course 7 sprang from Rataplan's back
and ordered the groom to lead HIM back
10 the stables.
Come into the Inn" said 7. 'and let
me know exactly what II is that you
wish me- 70 do
Tie LED the way into n sitting room and
fastened the door lest We should be inter-
rupted lie was well-grown lad. and
as he stood in the glare Of the lamp with
the light heating upon his earnest face,
and upon his uniform OF silver gray which
suited him 20 marvel. I felt my heart
warm toward him. Without going so far
as 10 say that he carried himesif as I
have done ut his age, there was at least
similarity enough to make me feel SYM
psthy with him.
II can explain IL all IN a few words q"
said he IF 7 have not already satisfied
your very natural curiosity II is because
thu subject - so painful a one that can
hardly bring myself 10 ail9de 10 u.