Rocky Ford enterprise., 1895-01-24

angels like you-to point them heav-
onward, and perchance to save them"
His eyes closed, and his head fell
back upon the pillow, muttering and
murmuring to himself in his own
tongue.
Meantime, there was much excite
ment and grumbling down below.
Houzel stood in the porch, leaning on
his gun, and surrounded by his dogs,
interviewing Hubert and the other SER
wants. There was but one opinion
that this entertainment OF one of the
enemy was an ugly and an unlucky
business.
s.There is but one way to serve such
canaille!" cried Hubert. ''He should
have been knocked on the head at
once"
They should have left me to take
care OF him!" growled the keeper. II
Know how to settle vermin."
He started and changed color; for
his young mistress stood on the thres-
hold, pale and indignant.
.Silence, Houzel!" she said. "If
1 have done. Hubert go to the kitch-
en-go, all Of you"
Mltteriug among themselves, the
servants retired. Houzel kept his po-
sition, leaning against the porch, and
looking black as thunder.
..As for you, Houzel, you should
know better. You are better educa-
ted, and should have more compass
sion"
You have not seen what 1 have
seen-the villages burned down, the
people plundered, the land made desc
late by these accursed Germans. They
are like wild beasts of the field, and
should be shot down without mercy"
And shoulderlng his fowling- piece,
he made movement to leave the
place; then, turning suddenly and en-
countering the eyes Of his young mis-
tress, he added regretfully:
"Forgive me, mademoiselle.
know l have made you angry. But I
shall be close at hand in case you need
protection.
"How foolish you are! Protection
from a wounded man who perhaps
will die!'
II hope so," returned Houzel. $50
long as breath lasts, these vermin are
dangerous"
Next morning DR.. Huet looked in,
full of excitement.
"Sharp work last night, mademoi-
selle," he said, as he entered the bed
chamber. ave have beaten back the
accommodating party of the Germans"
The wounded man sat propped up
with pillows, wide awake, and sub
mitted quietly and without murmur
while the doctor made his examina-
ton.
Come, it is not SO bad as I
thought" muttered Huet.
"You thought me a dead man, mon
sieur?" said the German, with grave
smile. well, after all, 1, have to
thank you and the lady of this house
for my life. Your countrymen were
inclined to finish me last night"
"Humph!" said Huet, Struggling his
shoulders.
81 suppose ] must consider myself
a prisoner?" proceeded the German.
"Certainly; and that reminds me
the commanding officer of the district
insists on removing you under guard
unless you give your parole not to at
tempt to escape, or to communicate
with the enemy"
"Just so," returned the German,
wearily. "You have my parole"
Blanche followed the doctor to the
door.
Your generosity was little over
the mark, he said, answering the ques-
tion on her face. That fellow will
be on his legs in a day or two, and
then-you will be rid of him, hope"
The DOCTORS prediction turned out
perfectly correct. Within three days
the German rose from his bed and de-
scended the stairs. He looked pale
and worn, and carried his left arm in
sling, but otherwise was hand
some fellow.
Standing bare-headed at the porch,
he quietly smoked his Pipe and sur
veyed the country prospect around
him. As he did SO he became con-
scious of a powerful fgure seated
some fifty yards from the chateau,
leaning on fowling- piece and regard
ing him intently. Descending the
steps, the German was approaching
him, when Houzel for it was hey,
sprung W LID lCoO duu WaRcO uliu
back with an angry gesture.
"What is the matter, my friend P"
asked the officer, quietly, in the
French tongue.
Houzel's only reply was a scowl of
savage dislike; but when the otherr
made fresh movement toward him,
the keeper again ordered him back.
al see," he muttered in German.
81 am prisoner, after all, and this
surly dog is my Cerberus."
Turning somewhat feebly toward
the chateau, he came face to face with
Blanche, who was descending the ter
race. He saluted her with deep re-
spect. She bowed to him nervously,
and was passing by. when his voice
arrested her.
'.Do not think me impertinent, frau
lein; but may speak to you3 II so,
I should like to thank you for the
great service you have done me-"
"Do not speak of it, monsieur, !" she
replied. II have only done what my
father would have done, had he been
here"
"Your father is from home. frau
leinp"