The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-03-05
CHAPTER Xv.-(CoNTISuED.)


ough precautions taken to intercept
them, and of the logged persistence
of M. Pierres belief in their vicinity
This man was outwardly among the
most eager of M. Pierre's supporters
and was much in his confidence; and
he assured Emile that it would be ex-
tremely hazardous to attempt escape
for month at least, although he was
willing to do the best he could 1or
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 l 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 conn
dence of the majority and l THINK l
can manage the matter"
Getting back into the forest was not
so easy matter; the change OF guards
had given control to a more 1althlui
and vigilant set of men. t
Emile was challenged twice, and CIV
ing some hasty excuse, saying ne was
a trusty citizen Of Frejus out TO look
at the chateau ruins, was gruifiy 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 tigures. ~
: What must he do? Daylight was at
hand, and it was absolutely necessary
he should prepare his young charges
for his absence, and acqualnt them
with his future plans. Lying prone on
his face he crawled along, the recon-
noisance showing him there was one
spot az a projecting knoll where put
one sentinel was stationed, ana ne
hardly in sight of the others, when
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
awaiting his return.
Jules had recovered entirely, and he
listened anxiously to the plans OF En-
lie.
"It will do very well 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 herr"
Because she has lived in 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, indeed" calculated Jules,
gazing after the slender figure which
had passed into the further room,
which she had taken for her own pri-
vail retreat; so sim llarly-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
lumiliated that we have ever pre-
;umed to call others noble in compar-
SON."
"Chlotilde has had superior advan
ages" observed Emile, quietly; l
loubt if the hapless Lady Felicie Ian
,uedoc herself was more accomplished
II graceful gWtTs
81 am sure l have not a moments
question about it," replied Jules, has
lily; none of the noble ladies have
yer seen could equal Chlotilde for
oveliness or grace" p"
'The care of this retreat will devolve
lpon you in my absence. 1t will be
afe to go few yards from the tree
It night, but no farther than that.
would not have you even venture to
he spring. 1 will fill up the water
asks before l leave. l am thankful
or the few books brought from the
hateau; with them and each others
ociety, 1 trust you will not find your
underground too irk-
ONE"
"Oh, no, that is, must speak for
lyself. 1t is peaceful refuge from
arnage and violence. But for past