The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-07-24
SPOKE FOR HERSELF.

AMaFUeA Ou 6OlSs a young man OF good
family, but of somewhat limited means.
was at the breaking out of the French rev
olution afIianced to the daughter of
trades1nan named Zoulouche-a man OF
wealth, but no principle.
Celeste was pretty, artful, ambitious
and treacherous, and when she thought il
to her interest to get rid of her lover she
secretly denounced him and he was ar.
rested and thrown into prison
Meantime a young widow, Nine Ro-
maine, who had secretly conceived a pas
sion for him, On learning of his incarcera-
ton and it's cause determined to save him.
She went to the jailer, and by means of
bribe-for money was potent in those days
as well as in these-obtained an interview
Du Bots was surprised at her visit.
81 have come, she said frankly, sin
the hope that may save a life for which ]
would freely give my OWL. p"
q do not know as 1 understand you,
madamel'' replied the wondering prisoner.
'fPrObably not, for I am woman, and
women are sometimes enigmas even tc
themselves. I will not ask if you know
me- for you certainly do not, but do you
know my name?"
eyes; you are Nine. Romano, widow
of Jules Romano, daughter of Gustavus
d. Auvergne-young, lovely, accomplished
and rich
''We have ten minutes to converse ir
private. You must escape from here and
fly from Francel You may be tried at any
hour, and, once tried, you will be con-
demned and executed. y
But who SO base as to denounce me,
madame? L would know the name of my
enemy, that if ever do escape I may at
some future time exact reparation for tbs
injury"
maine. Prepare yourself, Martel du
Bots, to hear a terrible truth Where you
trusted most you have been most basely
betrayed Celeste Zoulouche is your Sc
cret denOuncer."
''ImpossibleP' cried Du Bots, staggering
under the mental blow. "ImpOssibIel Mon
Dieul You are but trying my faith.
''We are wasting precious Time" said
the other, CHANGING at her watch. Believe
what 1 tell you. You will have cOrrobOra-
tive evidence all too Soon
"Then welcome the guillotinei Why
live in a world SO treacherOus and base?''
but all are not like Celeste Zoulouche.' -
"Your own presence here, madame, is
proof Of that. But my faith is shaken,
and life seems of little worth
1--WE should not be too selfish, - rejoined
or one of your friends will henceforth be
wretchedr'
as it so?'' exclaimed Du Bots as the
truth flashed upon him.
''This is no time for false delicacy, - pur-
sued the other, with agitation. ." Circum-
stances have caused me to betray feelings
you otherwise might never have suspected
and for which even now may be receiv-
ing your secret censure. But no matterl
Let me but know you have escaped and
are beyond the reach of your enemies and
I can be happy, even should we never meet
again.
'Censure you'll Despise you for trying
to save my lfei Oh, madame, your words
give me painP'
You viii live then? You will eseapeP''
"If possible will, if only for your
sake. -
"Quick, then, give ear to my plan.
Here is a powder, of which you will take
small portion at time 1t will make you
sick; you win look pale. Eat little or no
food and you viii lose your strength.
The physician viii be called and you viii
be removed to the hospital Once there,
trust 1 shall be able to effect your escape.
You will obey my instructions"
''ReligiOusly."
'fThen, if your trial should not come on
meantime, you may be saved. I go to
watch and pray and hope. Adieur'
maine, and the third day after her visit he
was removed to the hospital. Here he fell
under the charge of a lay sister named
Agnes.
II know ALP she said to him at the
first opportunity. Julie Romano is my
cousin; I am her conndant. We have
agreed upon a bold and novel plan for your
escape. 1t is this: You must seem to get
worse and worse, and at last, at the proper
time, you must feign commissions and ap-
pear to die. 1 will cover your face, and
when the chief physician comes his rounds
announce your death. If he takes my
word for it, all will be well; if not, we
may fail That is our risk"
"And suppose he leaves me for dead
what then2''
"Then, after dark, I will pretend to
have received an order to have you convey
ed to the dissecting room, where you will
be provided with a surgeons suit, in which
disguise you must escape.
Near the close of his fourth day in the
hospital Martel du Bots was seen by more
than one person in commissions. An hour
or two later, when the physician made his
rounds, he was covered with sheet.
There is no more need of your services
here, said Sister A gnes calmly, as she in
tercepted him. 1.-The next patient seems
worse. Will you be kind enough to see
him at once?"
The doctor passed on % lar, All We'll
1t was quite dark when the body of Du
Bots was borne into the dissecting room.
The attendants retired in haste, leaving
Sister Agnes and a lad with him.
Now, then, here are your garments
QuickP' said the fair nurse.
In less than five minutes the late corpse
looked like a very active and important
surgeon.
''This lad will guide you-follow himp'
said Sister Agnes hurriedly- ''Linger not
a momentl Adieul AdieuP'
Five minutes later Martel du Bots, guild
ed by youth, was hurriedly passing