Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-06-25

ordered. saw a jewel CLEAN in her
hair, and others on her hands. When
she turned her face towards us--a wild,
beautiful face, perplexed and tear
stained--Iknew her instantly for a gen
tlewoman, and when she walked hastily
TO the door, and laid her hand upon it,
and seemed to lsten--when she shook
the latch and dropped her hands in de-
spair and went back to the hearth, l
made another discovery. | knew at
once seeing her there. thatwe werelike-
~ but to change one prison for another.
Was every house in Paris then a dun
peon? And did each roof cover its trag-
edy?
"Madame!" I said, speaking softly, to
attract her attention. "Madame!"
She started violently, not knowing
whence the sound came, and looked
round, at the door first. Then shemoved
towards the window, and with an af-
frighted gesture, drew the curtain rap
idly aside.
Our eyes met. What II she screamed
and aroused the house? What, ideed?
madame" | said again, speaking hur-
riedly, and striving to reassure her BY
the softness Of my voice, I'VE implore
your helpl Uuless you assist us we are
lost"
you! Whoare you?" she cried, glar-
ing at us wildly, her hand to her head.
And then she murmured to herself:
"Mon Dieu what will become OF me?'
I'VE have been imprisoned in the
house opposite" hastened to explain,
disjointedly, am afraid. "And we have
escaped. We cannot get back II we
would. Unless you let us enter your
room and give us shelter"
I'VE shall be dashed to pieces on the
pavement" supplied Marie, with per-
feet calmness-nay, with apparent en-
joyment.
let you in here?" she answered,
starting back in new terror; ut is
impossible
She reminded me of our cousin, be-
ing. like her, pale and dark-haired. She
wore her hair in coronet, disordered
now. But though she was still beauti-
full, she was older than Kit, and lacked
her plant grace. l saw all this, and
Judging her nature, spoke out of my
despair MADAME" | said, piteously,
1--WE are boys. Croisette Come up!"
Squeezing myself still more tightly in.
to my corner Of the ledge, made room
for him between us. "See, madame"
cried, craftlly, will you not have pity
on three boys%
ST. Croix's boyish face and fair hair
arrested her attention, as | had ex-
pectcd. Her expression grew softer,
ind she murmured: Poor boy!"
caught at the opportunity. I'VE do
but seek passage through your room,''
| said, fervently Good heavens, what
had we not at stake. What II she
should remain obdurate? I'VE are In
trouble--in despair" ! painted. "So
believe, are you. We will help yol
II you will first save us. We are boys
but we can fight for YOU
"Whom am | to trust?' she ex
claimed, with shudder. "But HEAVIER
Forbid she continued, her eyes Oh
Croisette's face, that, wanting helT
| should refuse to give it. Come in, !
you will"
poured out my thanks, and ha,
forced my head between the bars--a
imminent risk of its remaining there.
before the words were well out of hc
mouth. But to enter was no easy tasl
after all. Croisette did, indeed, squeez
through ut last, and then by fore
pulled first one and then the other o
us after him. But only necessity AM
that chasm behind could have nervet
us, think, to go through process s.
painful. When | stood, at length, Oh
the floor, | seemed to be one grea
abrasion from head to foot. And be
fore lady, tool
But what u JOY | felt, nevertheless
A fig for Beers now. He had called II
boys; and we were boys. But h
should yet find that we could thwar
him. II could scarcely be half an hou
after midnight; we might still be i
time. | stretched myself and tro
the level floor jubilantly, and then nj
ticed, while doing so, that our host
css had retreated to the door and wa
cycling us timidly-half scared.
| advanced to her with my loves
bow-sadly missing my sword. "Mat
ame,' | said, 81 am NJ. Anne de Caylu
and these are my brothers. We are q