Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-12-31

I'M taking her in his
exHV arms, as he would
have "a rried a
helpless babe, descended the narrow
ladder leading into the subterranean
chamber, which his forethought had
provided. He laid her down on mar
row. but comfortable bed, and hurried
back to close the door and replace the
looring. That secured, he lighted a
candle standing ready on the rude ta-
bio. poured out glass of wine, and ap-
proeched her.
TRY this first, and then tell me II
YOU arc injured, dearest child
Sbe looked up. pitifully into his face.
"oa. Emile, Emile. my mother Is
dead"
His face writhed In overmastering
iRgrish.
Il know 1t. my child: God help us!
was powerless to prevent. l discovered
that body of men had left Frejus in
that direction. and hurried after them.
II I had only known this was to be
the wedding night. should have been
prepared. AS It was, when l came, II
was too late. We fought them desper-
ately. and drove them of for time
but I believe 1t was n useless victory.
I thought you were slain too. my chiid:
was sure l saw your white face ly-
ing by the counts; but when ! return
ed to the dreadful scene, found no
trace OF you. only your torn veil.
feared that they had carried you on /;
bu. a wild hope also led me to seek
you here. Heaven be praised tnat y'"
are spared!
"Oh. my mother. my mother" Iaora :
ed Fclicie.
BE comforted. my dear child, NJ
was-there was no sign OF violence. Dot
n single marring blow. the fright m"st
have killed her. She Is secure now
from all these terrors which we are 'e't
to face"
"She has complained OF her hcsr :
yes. thank Heaven. their vile 'o'en
did no, send that pure soul to heaSeo'
murmured Lady Fciicie. weeping t,'r-
ously: "oh. I am all alone. now. -.
MY child. You must be calm; l rh
try TO 4, father and mother both-.tae
love / I 80 the sain,ed dead. Is dcSa.!
yours. Cs',er per!ls are still anon. .s.
/ ehall nrrd your courage to help NE
She wiped away her tears, ana is'u
her hand trustingly In his. :,
II will do my best, mon pere En i1p.
He turned away to hide the tears
which came swelling into his eyes at
these touching words. ana ha'd
husk:.J'
.I -,ast go back to the chateau be-
fore that rufian band return VISTA
augmented strength. We Will secure
nil yslaables possible. that they nay
believe We were there only for the sake
OF ,,under. And YOU will need c'c,h.
Ing; can YOU tell mo where to ma Il!
sac gave him brief directions. nnd
added anxiously:
I'm, II they return. and overroNer
yoy--wha, will become OF me?'
.-rherc is no danger. They mus. 20
to Frejue. first: my men still hold nc
cbSs,nu, We are all masked. SO teey
c,r,,,. recognize us: in an hours tine
we shall be safely dispersed. s'hii
bring what is needed for you. Tor enc
cannot tell how long they may Peep
us here. The bodies are decenti' n
TERED in the garden, by this Tine.
unyc no fear OF violence. and u! 20
snare yourself more anguish th't' 10
POSSIBLE. You will be calm ana ~
tient while I leave your?
"I wfi, try. Will the light show
"oh. no; the ventilation comes
through the trunk Of another Follow
tree. We need be cautious al'ut
smoke: but light. not in the leHid-
YOU would be drenry enough 10 The
dark
"Thank you: do not delay. 10
now"
He left her to two hours sott, dc.
bu, IL was not so trying to bear ps he
had feared. The extreme anguish end
excitement OF the terrible seine
through which she had passed haS 'sft
her brain numb and torpid. sitting
down by the couch, with her bsdd
leaning against the pillow. she decd
away the time. and started to h'r 'eet
In tho vague alarm OF sudden aSaEan-
Ing from sleep, when Emile aga'n se-
scended from the upper roor. a
young man with very pale fate snd
evidently weak and sufferin: -~ho
was dressed in n plain cltizepis s;,lt.
accompanied him. Emile at o,Se u
planned.
"a friend Of mine. mademcisc.lc.
who has got into difficulty with he
mob. and he must be concealed. ii. O.
wise"
She bowed, and looked compI ssica-
ntely at the pale-featured youth.
"I hope I will not intrude uprn TIE
lady" observed the stranger In vo7y
weak accents; ''if were not Sc ~
wildered and helpless. I would try %
find other shelter"
Nay" answered Lady Fclicie. care
cstly: 81 have stood too eorely in hetu
of a friend myself. to be chary OF my
sympathy for Others"
HE ought to lie down at once; lie
has received very severe blow upon
his head. I am thankful there are TWO
compartments to my den."
and as he spoke. Emile removed 4
board at one end Of the small room.
and showed aaoth~ small chamber.