Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-03-04
CHAPTER xv.-(CoNrINUED.l

From him he learned of the thor
Ough precautions taken to intercept
them, and of the logged persistence
of NJ. Pierre's belief in their vicinity.
This man was outwardly among the
most eager of NJ. Pierre's supporters,
and was much in his confidence; ana
he assured Emile that 1t would be ex-
tremely hazardous to attempt escape
for month at least, although ne was
willing to do the best he could for
them.
Emile heard his unfavorable account
thoughtfully, and replied:
Il see plainly that must mix among
you here. / will remain secreted with
you through the day, and make my
way back to my hiding place at mid
night. The next night will manage to
get out on the highway; and do you
give out publicly that you have re-
ceived word that the Gray Falcon Is
coming down from Paris to stir up
the populace Of Frejus. Come and
meet me, If you can, and introduce me
to this Pierre. Let me gain the conf
dence of the majority and think l
can manage the matter"
Getting back into the forest was not
80 easy a matter; the change OF guards
had given control to more faltnful
and vigilant set Of men.
Emile was challenged twice, and CIV
ing some hasty excuse, saying he was
trusty citizen Of Frejus out to look
at the chateau ruins, was gruti1y Or
dered back to the town.
He turned back a little way, and
laid himself down among the bushes,
Just in sight of the pacing figures.
What must he do? Daylight was at
hand, and it was absolutely necessary
he should prepare his young charges
for his absence, and acquaint them
with his future plans. Lying prone on
his face he crawled along, the recon
noisance showing him there was one
spot at a projecting knoll where but
one sentinel was stationed, and he
hardly in sight of the others, when he
turned the rather sharp corner.
Emile's mind was made up at
once. He found heavy stick, and in
the same serpent fashion crept eau
tiously along on the ground toward
the spot.
Having obtained the desired position
he remained perfectly quiet, allowing
the unconscious guard to pass three
times over his beat before he made
any demonstration. On the fourth, as
the man slowly moved around the
point, he leaped TO his feet, and in the
twinkling of an eye tripped him up,
and sent him sprawling some two or
three yards away.
In the brief time required for the as
tonished man to gather himself up,
Emile had darted into the wood. Away
he sped. the swifter for the loud hal
loo of the sentinel.
He was familiar with every spot in
the forest, and gained his object long
before the aroused sentinels could fol-
low him. He found his faithful friends
anxiously awaiting his return.
Jules had recovered entirely, and he
listened anxiously to the plans Of En-
lie.
at will do very we'll for me who
shall have my old strength In few
days longer, but for your niece, for
Mademoiselle Chlotilde, it would be
more trying But, why, indeed, should
they bear any i'll will to her?'
Because she has lived in a noble
family and was extremely attached to
its members; because this wretch Of
an NJ. Pierre means to make her his
wife, and she abhors the idea"
"Abhors, indeedT calculated Jules,
gazing after the slender figure which
had passed into the further room,
which she had taken for her own pri-
vate retreat; so sin" 1arly-gifted and
refined a creature to marry that odiOus
overseer! The very idea is distressing
even to me- All, Monsieur Emile, if
you and your niece are impartial types
of your class, cannot help feeling
Inundated that we have ever pre-
sumed to call others noble in compar-
ison."
"Chlotilde has had superior advan-
tages," observed Emile, quietly; l
doubt if the hapless Lady Felicie Ian
guedoc herself was more accomplished
or graceful"
81 am sure 1 have not a moments
question about it," replied Jules, has
tily; none of the noble ladies have
ever seen could equal Chlotilde for
loneliness or grace"
1.-THE care Of this retreat will devolve
upon you in my absence 1t will be
safe to go a few yards from the tree
at night, but no farther than that. l
would not have you even venture to
the spring. 1 will fill up the water
casks before I leave. 1 am thankful
for the few books brought from the
chateau; with them and each others
society. I trust you will not find your
Imprisonment underground too irk-
some"
"Oh, no, that is, 1 must speak for
myself. 1t Is a peaceful refuge from
carnage and violence. But for past
,AA a~v4a,,. Foo.z "a