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


~ arms, as he would
have C a FRIED
HELPLESS babe, descended the narrow
ladder leading into the subterranean
chamber, which his forethought had
provided. He laid her down on mar
row. but comfortable bed, and hurried
back to close the door and replace the
flooring. That secured, he lighted a
candle standing ready on the rude ia
BILE, poured out glass Of wine, and ap-
preached her.
"Try this first, and then tell me II
you are injured, dearest child"
She looked up, pitifully into his race
"Oh. Emile, Emile. nay mother Is
dead"
His face writhed in overmastering
anguish.
81 know it, my child; God help US!
was powerless to prevent. 1 discovered
that a body of men had left FreJus IN
that direction, and hurried after them.
If I had only known this was to be
the wedding night, I should have been
prepared. AS it was, when l came II
was too late We fought them desper-
ately. and drove them off for time
but I believe 1t was a useless victory.
thought you were slain too, my chlld;
I was sure I saw your white face ly-
ing by the counts; but when l return
ed to the dreadful scene, 1 found no
trace Of you, only your torn veil. l
feared that they had carried you OH I;
but a wild hope also led me to seek
you here. Heaven be praised that you
are spared!
ooh. my mother, my mother" moan
ed Felicie.
BE comforted. my dear child, as l
was-there was no sign of violence, not
a single marring blow, the fright must
have killed her. She is secure now
from all these terrors which we are LETT
TO face"
"She has complained of her heart;
yes. I thank Heaven, their vile touch
did not send that pure soul to heaven
murmured Lady Felicie, weeping pite-
ously; "oh, am all alone, now.
my child, you must be calm; Will
try to be father and mother both-the
love I bore the sainted dead, Is LOUDLY
yours. Other perils are still about us,
[ shall need your courage to help me.
She wiped away her tears, and lald
her hand trustingly in his.
81 will do my best, mon pere Emile
He turned away to hide the tears.
which came swelling into his eyes at
these touching words, and SAID
huskily:
at must go back to the chateau be-
fore that rufian band return Win
augmented strength. We will secure
all yaluables possible, that they may
believe we were there only for the sake
of plumber. And you will need cloth
ing: can you tell me where to find 1t!
She gave him brief directions, anu
added anxiously:
But if they return, and overpoWer
you-what will become of me?"
There is no danger. They must go
10 Frejus, first; my men still hold the
rhateau. We are all masked, so they
cannot recognize us; in an hours time
we shall be safely dispersed. 1 shall
bring what is needed for you, for one
cannot tell how long they may Keep
US here. The bodies are decently in
TERED in the garden, by this time
Have no fear of violence, and try 20
spare yourself more anguish than is
possible. You will be calm and pa
tent while 1 leave you?"
"I will try. Will the light SHOVE"
ooh. no; the ventilation comes
through the trunk of another hollow
tree. We need be cautious about
smoke: but light, not in the least
you would be dreary enough in the
dark"
"Thank you: do not delay. Go
now"
He left her to a two hours solitude,
hut II was not so trying to bear as she
had feared. The extreme anguish and
excitement of the terrible scene
through which she had passed had left
her brain numb and torpid. Sitting
down by the couch, with her head
leaning against the pillow. she dozed
away the time. and started to her feet
In the vague alarm of sudden awaken
ing from sleep, when Emile again de-
scended from the upper room. A
voung man with very pale face and
evidently weak and suFeri1g-who
was dressed in a plain citizens suit,
accompanied him. Emile at once tx
planned.
"a friend of mine, mademoiselle,
who has got into difficulty with the
mob. and he must be concealed, like
wise"