The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-03-26

Her voice shook.
mot twice can the rewer be filled.
Oh, Jules"
"Nay, dear one, I can fill 1t up to-
night. Do you know the exact local
ity Of the spring."
II remember visiting 1t once or
twice. I must pause moment before
I can tell you its direction from this
spot. But it friehtens me to think OF
your attempting such dangerous
feat"
1T is vitality necessary, IL we re-
main here, which seems the best thing
left us, until our provisions fail us, or
we are convinced there is no hope of
Emile's appearance"
IF it must be l consent; but upon
one condition. shall accompany. you,
Jules"
my precious Chlotilde, not for the
world"
II insist upon it. Whatever happens
to you 1 must share 1t with you; be-
sides, I can recognize the spring at
once, and you might search long time
for It,"
my beloved one, let me brave this
little danger alone. What would Emile
say to me IL he knew l allowed you
to venture out SO far?"
"It does not matter; you shall
allow it; you yield to it because there
is no help for it. should follow at
all events"
But It is not Immediately necessary.
We will be as prudent as possible, and
Emile may yet arrive" replied Jules,
resolved to sally forth secretly.
Lady Felicie put the vessel of water
carefully aside, saying wistfully:
1T must not be before us to tempt
us. How perverse in me! was never
SO thirsty in my life"
Jules deliberately poured out glass
and held it toward her.
you shall not deny yourself while
there is so much left to as"
She slipped it slowly.
IF we were to have no more, how
much more precious than our pearls
and diamonds would be the tiniest
drop" said she, and handed it back
only half empty.
"Now must return to my post, and
learn how near the sentinels approach
us. Can 1t be possible for them to hear
our voices when above us!'
II think not, or Emile would have
warned u.s."
"Oh, invaluable, allwise Emile! what
detains himr' groaned Jules, as he
clambered up the stairway.
No sign came of any human presence
throughout the day. and much en-
boldened by the circumstance, Jules
took a pitcher and small pail and
started forth as soon as evening came.
Lady Felicie followed silently be-
hind him, notwithstanding his entreaty
to the CO. ny.
They passed along softly, with the
utmost caution, pausing every few
steps to listen for any sound of alarm.
All was profound stiffness, save that
now and then dry leaf dropped from
a bough, or bird with heavy wing
Injured through the branches.
The spring was just a little way
from the trodden pathway. 1t lay in
its messy bed like an inky mirror, with
Just one ripple of silver where a star
beam from above slid through the can
opy of leaves and gave it tender kiss.
The trembling pair gave sigh of re-
lief. Jules hastily knelt down and
dipped the pitcher into it. He turn
ed and held it up to Chlotiide's lips. |
Draught of nectar from the very cup of
Titania was outrivaled by the refresh
ing GOODNESS Of the water.
Neither ventured to speak, but their
hearts beat with joyful relief Jules
filed the pail to the brim and Chlotilde
took the pitcher. She tripped lightly
before him to open the door.
He spoke suddenly and sharply.
Hurry, Chlotilde! go at once!"
She obeyed with quick rush of ter
ror, for she also caught the sound of
hurrying steps, and gaining the tree,
stood waiting his approach.
There came to her from the gloom of
the Swallowed pathway a fierce oath,
scuffie, and shout for help.
Setting down the pitcher hastily, the
girl bent out Of the tree with white lips
and horror-stricken eyes.
A quick rush of frantic steps-but
whose? the companion of her hidden
home of refuge, or the cruel spy? She
could not stir, but stood paralyzed.
It was Jules. He dashed up to her,
thrust her into the little room with
impetuous haste. and closed the door.
The movement upset the pitcher, the
precious water was lost, not drop
remained; for in his struggle with the
man who had pounced upon him, Jules
had dropped the bucket.
Then shivering and depressing the
very sound of breathing, the pair lis
tened to the eager talk going on out
side, as a group of the sentinels gath
cred together in bewildered astonish-
ment.
"This is certainly witchcraft~ ejac-
ulated one.
HE was here a moment ago, and
now he has gone. Peste! has he wings
- I