Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1896-10-01

WIN fhce SnON'nB WHitc III thc shou
ow: and from me to the one solitary
figure seated like pillar a score o.
PAGES in front. with no o.e between u'
and It. "There need be but two Of us,
muttered. loosening my sword
"Shall 1t be you or Marie? The other'
must leap their horses out of the road
in the confusion. cross the river at the
Arembal ford II they are not over
taken, and make for Caylus."
He hesitated. ! do not know whether
It had anything to do with his hesita-
ton that at that moment the cathedral
bell in the town below us began to
ring slowly for vespers. Yes, he hesi-
tated. He-a Caylus. Turning to him
again, repeated my question impa-
tiently: (which shall II be? A mo
ment and we shall be moving on and
it will be TO late
lie laid his hand hurridly on my
bride and began a rambling answer.
Rambling as II was gathered his mean
Ing. 1t was enough for me! | lieut. him
short with one word Of fiery indigna-
ton and turned to Marie and spoke
quickly.
"Will you, then?' ! said
But Marie shook his head in perplexi-
ty, and answering little, said the same.
So 1t happened the second time.
Strange. Yet strange as it seemed,
was not greatly surprised. Under
other circumstances ! should have
been beside myself with anger at tho
detection. Now felt as If had half
expected it, and without further words
of reproach dropped my head and gave
1t up. passed again into the stupor
of endurance. The vidame was too
strong for me. II was useless to fight
against him. We were under the spell.
When the troop moved forward, went
with them, silent and apathetic.
We passed through the gate Of Ca
hors, and no doubt the scene WIS
worthy Of note; but had only q istless
eye for it-much such an eye as man
about to be broken on the wheel must
have for that curious instrument, sup
posing him never to have seen it be-
fore. The whole population had come
out to line the streets through which
we rode, and stood gazing, with scarce
ly yelled looks Of apprehension, at the
procession Of troopers and the stern
face of the new governor
We dismounted passively in the court
yard of the castle, and were for going in
together, when Bure interviewed. IN.
de Pavannes,' he said, pushing rather
rlldely between us, will sup alone to-
night. For you, gentlemen, this way,
II you please"
Invent without remonstrance. What
was the use? ! was conscious that the
vidame from the top of the stairs lead
ing to the grand entrance was watching
us with woliish glare in his eyes. |
went quietly. But | heard Croisette
urging something with passionate en-
ergy.
We were led through a low doorway
to a room on the ground floor; place
very like cell. Here we took our
meal in silence. When it was over |
flung myself on one Of the beds pre-
pared for us, shrinking from my com;
panions rather in misery than in re-
sentiment.
No explanation had passed between
us. Still knew that the other two
from time to time eyed me doubtfully.
! feigncd therefore to be asleep, but !
heard Bure enter to bid us good night
and see that we had not escaped. And
| was conscious, too, of the question
Croisette put to him: "Does NJ. de Pa
,annes lie alone tonight, Bure"
mot entirely" the captain aswered
with gloomy meaning. Indeed, he
seemed in bad spirits himself, or tired
"The vdame is anxious for his souls
welfare, and sends a priest to him."
They sprang to their feet at that
But the light and its bearer, who so far
recovered himself as to chuckle at his
masters pious thought, had disap'
peared. They were left to pace the
room, and reproach themselves and
curse the vidame in an agony Of late re-
pentance. Not even Marie could find
II loophole Of escape from here. The
door was double-locked; the windows
SO barred that a cat could scarcely pas.
through them; the walls were Of sole
masonry.
Meanwhile lay and feigned to sleep
and lay feigning through long, long
hours; though my heart like their,