Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-07-29

have been aimed at him, for in strength
of body he was easily the others supe-
rior.
They sat down at the table opposite to
one another. The colonel looked hxedly
into his companions face. 1t was es-
sential that he should realize exactly
the mood with which he had to deal.
Dick fronted him with an uncomprom-
Using frown.
'Welv he said, "your explanation.
sir!"
The colonel took his gravest air Of
courtesy.
'.Some time ago." he began, my sis
ter-in-law and I found ourselves in need
of loyal friend. Chance threw you in
our way. l esteemed, and she enthusi-
astically believed in, you. After care
full consideration I invited you to help
u.s."
land you had your answer" replied
Dick, shortly.
For the moment, yes; and great
disappointment it was. But fortune has
now given us another opportunity and
we hope to be more successful this time
in persuading YOU"
''Never!" said Dick. rs that all?"
And he rose from his seat as If to close
the conversation.
A noise was heard at the door: Ca
milla was trying the handle.
SIS M. de Montaut there?" she cried.
Il must speak to him at once"
Certainly" replied the colonel, from
within; Gin five minutes time. If you
will excuse us for 80 long; we have mat
ters Of Importance to discuss"
She turned away toward her own
cabin, and he began again, inviting
Dick with polite gesture to resume
his seat at the table.
you may perhaps have overlooked
the fact" he said, but the situation is
entirely changed since your letter Of re-
fusal was written. We were in safety
there In London: here, at st. Helena,
we are in peril Of our lives; our train
Is fired. we must abide by the result; II
you fail us now we are ruined"
Dick made an impatient gesture, but
he sat on, and his face changed. The
colonel pressed his point.
For myself" he said, II trust may
say that am not afraid. I have es-
capped from prison more than once. and
at the worst can face death. But the
thought Of Camilla's fate Is more than
I can bear"
AAS PduoCu, anu L1lSH Welt OIl III d lOW,
agitated voice:
my friend" he said, "have you ever
seen French convict-ship? I have.
1t is many years ago, but the recollec-
ton Of those sitting cages and the mass
of scarcely human misery huddled be-
hind the bars is a nightmare with me
to this day." Dicks breath Kissed in
ward through his teeth.
oSilencetn he safa or HNof an.
other word, or 1 strike!" The colonel
did not finch.
Strike, and welcome" he replied, "if
you think that will save her."
NO" said Dick, nothing that can
do will save her; 1t would take the
sacrifice Of my honor, and that I can
not offer nor she accept"
Your honor?" said the colonel.
Surely 1t is too late to speak Of that
now"
why so? Why late?"
Because it has long been COM
promised beyond retrieving"
What do you mean?
my dear Estcourt," said the colonel,
In HIS most serious and reasonable tone.
i see that you don't understand the
gravity Of your position. Let me put 1t
briefly before you. You will remember
that one day in March last 1 wrote a
letter asking you to Join in this expedi-
ton Of ours. and naming place of rem
devious II case Of your asserting to
my proposal. You kept that appoint
ment. and were then and there intro
duced to your fellow-conspirators."
Nonsense" interrupted Dick. you
know I wrote the same evening to ex-
plain that mistake"
'Indeed?" replied the colonel, coldly.
1T Is odd that my servant never