Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-10-29
CHAPTER Iv.-(Coxrrxuro.l


He declared that he had seen 1t hal
dozen times: that 1t was always al
zach place, and that it carried shove
Snd strange hanes danced along Its
pathway. laughed at his credulity
til suddenly he turned and dared me to
accompany him. to have proof given
me by my own eyes"
Dared you, Felicie2 Could old
Jeannot have been so insolent and I'M
PRUDENT
oh. he was perfectly respectful; and
remember. / had stung him TO retort
by my railery and unbelief. He called
TO me at sunset, as | was on the ter
race. that the apparition had passed,
and | might see It return If | would
hasten TO the forest So | went, mann
ma"
The countess looked startled.
1T was fortunate the count was aD-
sent. what would he have said?'
"Ah. but knew he was not here and
trusted to obtain your forgiveness.
Yes. mamma | went with Jeannot, and
! saw the ghost"
You are TESTING. Felicie'
Not at all; certainly saw the dark
figure. with the spade over his should
ers. and weird circle OF blue light
followed him. or. rather, surrounded
him. Don't let Jeannot dream OF It,
but was truly frightened. 1t Is
really very strange. especially if, as
Jeannot asserts, there is no trace OF
human working in the forest. for we
heard the blows distinctly"
This is extremely singular; 1t must
be Investigated at once did not tell
you the rest that your father wrote
lie said all Paris was In ferment OF
secret agitation The Assembly are at
their wits end how 10 remedy the disas-
trous condition of the whole country
the lower classes are sullen, and have
been detected in a vast organization
for some unknown purpose. He babe
me charge NJ Pierre 20 keep jealous
watch over our peasantry, and forbid
their leaving the place. or receiving
strangers. who might spread among
them the incendiary disamection OF the
larger towns. | was In hopes there was
no need of the caution. but this story OF
Joannot's alarms me: Of course reject
the supernatural part of IL. but that
stranger Is lurking around here cannot
be doubted. II you have seen him with
your own eyes. Ring the bell my love;
/ vii speak to NJ. Pierre at once"
Il wonder my father did not WRIT to
Nj. Pierre his Instructions; he knows
how dlsagreable the man is to your
-. aha nhpVpn
The countess did not answer; she
was gazing thoughtfully upon the
floor.
II will send for Jeannot, too, after
M. Pierre is gone" she said at length;
I'VE must neglect no possible precau-
ton"
What do you fear, mamma? am
sure we have no one on the estate but
would willingly risk his own life to
save yours. or mine. either, for that
matter"
Il was not thinking OF myself. Fe- |
licie but of your father; | fear he is
not liked by any OF our people. He |
does not understand their trials, and |
is impatient with them sometimes
fear they call him a harsh master
/ Il am sure cannot blame them;
often and often have | blushed in
shame for him. and glowed with indig-
nation for them" answered the candid
daughter
I The crimson tide swept over the
countess face. as though it were her
own sinfulness Fellcie had alluded to.
She waved her hand deprecatingly,
and Felicie knew that insinuations
against her father would not be lis
tened to.
Here comes the adorable NJ. Pierre
i hear that mincing footstep of his.
Put on your statliest dignity. mamma.
u the peasantry bear malice against
others. ! am certain they could tear
him limb from limb am sure II is
like snow blast whenever he comes
near me. Ugh one must endure loath-
some things now and then Sup
pose
Hush. Felicie, NJ Pierre is your
iether's confidential agent"
But you despise him-you know you 4
10 mammal Why may nor one speak
he things they cannot help thinking?'
There was no opportunity for answer
ng. The door was noiselessly un-
,losed. and a middle aged man. dressed
n tightly dtting suit OF snuff colored
with silk stockings of the
same color, and shining steel knee
buckles, came forward bowling with I
singular mixture of servility and auda-
.ity. y
The low obeisance said plainly re-
,peet your rank: you are my lady. the {
But the bold eye and super v