The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-07-08

ger and abatement at the fix in which we
had placed ourselves. "Openr
But, although the murmur of voices out
side the door grew louder, no one answer
ed, and l had tine TO take IN the full alb
surdlty of the position; to measure the
height OF the windows with my eyes and
plumb tho dark shadows under the rafters
whore the focbler rays of our candle lost
themselves; 10 apprec ate, N a word, the eX-
tent Of cur predicament. Magnan was
fuT.,Tas, La Trape vicious While my own
equanim.ty scarcely supported me against
the thought that we should probably be
whore we were until the arrival of my
people, whom / had directed my wife to
send to lie Mesnl at noon next day. Their
coming would free US indeed, but at the
cost of rid.cule and laughter. Never was
man worse placed.
Winc!ng a L the thought, I babe Maignan
be silent; and, drumming the door my
self, ! called for the landlord. Some one
who mad bean giving directions in tone
OF great consequence, ceased speaking. and
came close to the door. After listening a
moment, he struck it WITH his hand.
silence, rouEcS'' he cried DO you
hear? Silence there, unless you want your
ears nailed 10 the post"
"I'ool!' | answered. "Open the door inr
stantly! Are YOU all mad here that you
shut up the kings servants in this way"
The kings servants." he cried, jeering
at US. Where are they?"
'Icre! ! answered, swallowing my rage
as wei as ! might. Il am NJ. Grnguet's
deputy, and II YOU do not this Instant
al. Gringuets deputy! Ho! hor' he said.
"Why. you fool, NJ. Cringuet's deputy ar
rived two hours before you. You must get
up a little earlier another time. They arc
pcar tricksters who are too late for the
fair. And now ne silent, and it may save
You a strre or two tomorrow
Tncre are situations in which even the
greatest find 4 hard to maintain their
dignity, and this vas one. l looked at
Maianan ana La Trape, and they at me,
and by the igkt of the lanthorn which the
latter held ! saw that they were smiling,
doubtless at the dilemma H. which we had
innocently placed ourselves But | found
nothing 20 laugh nj in the position; since
the people outside might Mt any moment
leave rs whore We were to fast until morn
ing; and. after a moments reflection, I
called oct to know who the speaker on the
other side was.
- am NJ. de Fonvello" he answered.
"Wcn NJ. Dc Fonvelle." I replied. Il adj
wise you to have y care what Won do.
am NJ. Gringuets deputy The other man
is an impostor."
lie laughed
"lfe f1s no papers, I cried.
"t Is he has he 4bswered. ntoc<ing
me IN curtin has Sen them, nay inc
without warrant"
At this several laughed and duavering
voice chimed in with "Oh yes, he has pa
ptrs, | have seer them. StiIl, in a case
"Thora" NJ. FOnvcle cried, drowning
the others words. Now arc you satisfied
you in there"
Rut VI. Curtin had not done lie has
paners." he riped again in his thin voice
still. NJ. dc Fcnvclle, it is well to be eau
to1s, AMI
Tut! tut! it is all right"
He has papers, but lie has no authority"
] shouted.
"FIe has seals" Fonveu answered. 1T
is all right"
1T is all wrong!' l reterted. Wrong. I
say. Go to your man. and you WIN find
him gone-sone WITH your money, NJ. Cur
tim"
Two or three laughed, but I heard the
sound Of feet hurryng away, and | guessed
that Curtin had retired to satisfy himself.
Nevertheless. the moment which followed
as an anxious one since, if my random
shot missed, | knew ttat l should ina
rlyself in worse position than before.