Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-12-24

only waiting for the bridegroom to be
able to perform his share Of the cere-
mony. M. Pierre was ostensibly most
active In carrying forward the prepara-
tious. but the countess shuddered every
time she met his eye. The bishops
presence gave the ladies more excuse
for lingering in their own rooms; and
1t also seemed an opportunity to visit
tho Little Forest. Therefore. that very
evening they stole forth cautiously and
went speeding along toward the hollow
tree. Before they reached the edge OF
the wood the form Of Emile started up
from the hedge which bordered the
meadow. He spoke their names eager
ly. and dispersed the momentary terror
which his sudden appearance had
caused.
Thank Heaven you have come! l
was trying to conjure up an opportu-
nifty for speaking with you. How pro-
cesd matters at the chateau?"
lilly enough. fear, though the
coant fancies everything favorable"
anAwcred the countess.
And the overseer?"
nc II lucIe btItt. hr tca"t ph"e1'
him implicitly. and has conhdcd to him
all his plans OF escape"
Mon Dieu! Is the man demsnted?"
HE will not listen to our remon-
stIances." answered Fclicic. while her
mt4her kept silence.
Have you told him what you
heArd?" fs -I.t
mo: though We assured him that We
haa proof Of his treachery. He declared
he should 20 to N. Pierre with our accu-
sations. and we dared not reveal all
without first consulting you"
That was prudent" said Emile.
while between his teeth he muttered.
"Dslt! idiot! brute! the man does no;
deserve to live" And In moment he
added gravely. at would be the cx-
tinyuishment Of your best hopes OF es-
care to reveal my presence here. or the
locality of the retreat I have provided.
I half expected to md you gone: and |
fersentiy hoped 1t might be So"
I'VE waited for the Marquis Ed
ward" ISfeGrt H,1 r E-Lf
''And he arrived two nights ago.
Why were you not away before this
Every hour is Of priceless value"
The countess sighed heavily.
.He 10 Ill: We are only waiting for
his recovery; then the marriage is to
tnke place. and we are to ride directly
to the wharf at st. Josephs."
"t wish knew their plans better:
not soul has entered the woods since
I came. and the pixies have been re-
moved. lost the precious opportunity
by my long absence" .... co..
'Ah," cried Felicie, I'VE looked for
You SO anxiously. We grew 10 troubled
about YOU" " r..-l .tf
II could no, come. have learned a
bitter lesson In my absence. I, who
he'll them to my sway before. have
found the tide SO swollen that II bore
me along like feather. lifted up my
voice for freedom. equality. manhood
did I know they would interpret II law
lcaruess, decentralization, brutality ?
A,ack! one cannot play with fire cx-
cep. to be scorched. My heart has died
within me to witness the horrors which
reign triumphant. conscious. as I am.
tha. I helped TO nurse the spark
which has become such n madly de-
vopring element. There is but one
course left me: must secretly aid all
wha come within reach OF my helping
hnrds."
"You counsel tls to refrain from men.
tiorins the adventure In the woods that
nigIt?" questioned the countess. anx-
ioun to return as speedily as possible.
"s certainly do. II II is TO be retaile.
at ence to the arch villain. Pierre. Be-
sides. II Is too late now. Pierre is aware
Of your movements. I wish were cer-
tain Of his. must go to Frejus and
hunt up few trusty comrades; by
their means I may learn more. But II
will be prudent for you to accompany
me to the tree and learn how to man
age the spring which opens the Jagged
door Of the tree-trunk. Then II you
can reach 1t you will be safe. whatever
happens to me-"
Let us 80 now; We may have no
other opportunity" said Fclicie.
They proceeded thither in silence.
The countess seemed greatly fatigued
and sat down on the ground. while
Emile carefully Initiated her daughter
loo the mysteries Of the spring cum
ningly filed into round escrescence OF
the bark. Lady Felicie practiced upon
It until able to open It instantaneous!y.
Now let us hasten back" said the
countess. shivering with .ks chilly
night air.
/. Just a. she turned. she paused sud