Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-12-03


But why do l waste the precious
timer" exclaimed he, suddenly. Il
must have everything safe below
ground, ere that disappointed villain
can return. He has met his deserts,
for all the diamonds he hoped 10 secure
have fallen into my possession. l need
not assure you they will be saved for
you"
"Why cannot 1 take the things at the
door? 1t will save you much time, and
the invalid is sound asleep"
perhaps it will be wise; the time Is
flying rapidly. Come then, and throw
down the ladder, as fast as bring the
goods"
She clambered after him TO the upper
round. and stood in the secret doorway
watching him leaping away. He re-
turned laden heavily. Lady Felicie
gathered the lightest of the goods in
her arms, and ran down with them,
returning speedily for the others.
They worked steadily for nearly an
hour. Then Emile came dashing back
to the tree with a small trunk.
1.-THE last, thank Heavenl and it is
only just in time. They have returned
with reinforcements; I hear terrific
din around the chateau"
II hope none Of your friends are
there?"
ooh, no; I charged them to disperse
as rapidly as possible: there is little
mischief they can do-except-"
What? except what" cried Felicie,
frightened at the uneasy look on his
face; they will not desecrate the
graves, surely?"
"They are fendish enough for any
thing, but there is little to be gained
by such course. They have fired the
chateau, Lady Felicie. VIII you take
look at it, ere it falls, and not be dis
tressed beyond my comforting?"
She caught her breath convulsively
and stood a moment in shivering ST.
lence, then held out her hand to him.
He had closed the door of the tree,
and now took her hand tenderly, and
led her forward TO the edge Of the
wood.
The stars had paled in sudden
alright at the bright glare which rose
up from the turbulent scene below.
The chateau was like one huge man
sion carven in glowing carbuncle.
Never had its symmetry and beauty
struck Lady Felicie so forcibly as now
when every arched window, and quaint
gable, and doomed porch was framed
in burning line Of dazzling flame.
It was so grand and beautiful a
sight, she forgot her personal interest
in its fate, and with hushed breathing
and entranced eye, she watched the
huge sea of fire waver to and fro, as if
playing with its victim; now sweeping
a broad dash of red, seething flame
across the lofty front, now rising up in
one vast spiral column of dense smoke
to the very sky.
Ali at once it wavered-the whole
great building seemed to give one dire
full shudder at its fate, and gather it
self up proudly to meet it. One brief
instant Lady Felicie saw Languedoc
chateau before her eyes, every line dis
tinct, every arch perfect-the next it
toppled, crumbled, disappeared.
She turned with wild sob.
Emile took her hand again, and
without a word led her away toward
the wood.
Between it and them rose up a dark
figure.
aIIo14f,, +h-1da-o5 q boorra v0ioa
land let me know who it is watching
the burning of the accursed nest of
aristocrats with grief"
Emile set his teeth hard upon his
lip, and caught his companion up in his
arms.
She uttered no single cry Of alarm
Already had she been taught the cour-
age of desperation.
He ran swiftly as was possible with
such a burden. in the direction of the
chateau, and gained the shelter Of a
thicket of trees; then as his pursuer
dashed by them, he wheeled suddenly
and made desperate efforts TO reach the
wood again.
He succeeded, and that was all; as
the door of the hollow tree closed be-
hind them. the fierce spy came STUN
bling along in the path.
Emile sat down his trembling COM
panion, and put his ear to the side Of
the tree trunk.
A volley of oaths escaped the baf-
fed wretch.
They have cheated me again.
swear it must be some of the royallsts,
or they would not have fed so desper-
ately. I'll go back to Captain Pierre.
and we'll search the whole ground
over; there sha'n't be a head left on
one of their necks. if can help it."