Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-02-18


Boat ahoy! What do you wish
Who are you?"
Friends, seeking to board you
ship" was Emile's reply, in his deep
steady tones.
AYE. aye" came back in CHEEKY re
sponse.
II was but n few moments longer
though 1t seemed hours to the anxious
fugitives, ere they stood upon the
friendly deck. the center of a curious
group.
Emile spoke n few words with the
captain, and then called out to the
boats crew waiting below:
You may return. | shall take pass
age to England"
That's a curious chap. anyhow"
growled the leading oarsman. Il sup
pose Robespierre knows his own bust
ness, but / should say we've helped
some pretty cunning fugitives to get
away from France in fine shape"
Its none of our lookout. anyhow"
responded the fellow at the oar, but
they had a grand look. all three of
them, and that's a fact
And the boat was turned again to-
ward the shore
On the English deck stood Emile,
grasping the hand OF either companion.
and repeating fervently while the tears
poured down his cheek:
Heaven be praised for the mercy
vouchsafed us. My children. We are
savedw
in her hands. Jules wrung that of
Emile. and answered falteringly:
And after Heaven, we owe our de-
liyerance to you"
And after me. to Robespierre, little
though he intended it," replied Emile.
The sympathizing captain inquired
their history
1t was given, though somewhat
guardedly.
The group of interested passengers
warmly rendered their congratulations
and sympathy.
I'VE hear similar recitals every day."
observed the gentlemanly commander;
in fact, 1t is our business, lying off
here to receive fugitives. | fear we
shall be molested presently. have
been warned a French man-of-war is
to be sent hither.
How long must you remain?" ask
ed Emile. looking anxious once more.
only a few hours longer. l have
waited n week for an illustrious pas
senger. Much l fear he Is discovered
and thrown into prison, If not already
Suillotined."
Perhaps | shall be able to give you
Information. l prepared a fresh list
at Robespierre's dictation but a few
days ago." returned Emile.
The captain whispered a name in
his ear.
Emile sighed deeply.
Alas! your errand is fruitless. The
revered and noble bishop has gone to
his long home. He was brutally mur-
dered in La Vendee, almost a month
ago."
Then we will set forth for England
at once. The Carrier Pigeon must
spread her wings and fly to a happier
shore. We have other fugitives on
board. and you may all be naturally
enough anxious to leave these scenes
Ho, my heartiesy up anchor and shake
out the sails!"
Just as they were passing into the
cabin, Felicie came hastily to Emile's
side.
Emile, dear Emile, am certain
see an old, familiar face in that crowd
1t is strange enough why he should
be here. yet, if that be not Jeannot
Lazim, have lost my momory. He
looked eagerly and questioningly into
our faces. am certain it is Jeannot! He
will be glad to know that one Langue-
doc is left: let us comfort him with
the knowledge"
Point him out to me, and I will
bring him down to you"
THE gray-headed old man in the
green jerkin See. he is watching us
now"
Felicie and Jules passed down into
the cabin, and Emile returned on deck
Only one made no movement-a tall.
dcjccted-lookiag woman. in the very
cuarsest of black dresses. who sat with
closed eyes leaning her head YEARLY
against the wall
She had spread her handkerchief
over her eyes and forehead. and did
not remove it for the stir made by the
entrance of Felicie.
When, however, old Jeannot made
his appearance. rushing in with the
most reckless disregard of propriety,
she drew it away and looked up hasti-
ly.
"Oh. all the saints be praised" cried
old Jeannot, sobbing and blubbering
like a school-boy; 'it is really you, my
young mistress! l never dreamed it
could be, though it made my heart ache
thinking how much you looked like my
blessed young lady. Oh, this is too
beautiful! What will she say? Where
is she?"
MY good Jeannot, I knew it would
be such pleasure to your honest heart
to know that ! had escaped. And
what has brought you here to meet the
sole survivor of a hapless family, whose
greatness and grandeur have fallen
to the dust?" said Lady Felicie, softly
and tenderly, as she clasped affection
ateIy the old mans extended hand.
Where is she?" demanded Jeannot
feverishly.
CHAPTER XIV.
a LnY HASTY han d
@sl/0 brushed him aside