Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-02-25

helpless babe, descended the Mario"
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
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 arc injured, dearest child"
She looked up, pitifully into his race
ooh, Emile, Emile, my mother Is
dead"
His face wrlthed in overmastering
anguish.
II know it, my child; God help us!
was powerless to prevent. discovered
that body of men had left Fre1us IN
that direction, and hurried after them
II had only known this was to be
the wedding night, 1 should have been
prepared. AS it was, when came, II
was too late. We fought them desper-
ately, and drove them off for time
but 1 believe it was a useless victory.
thought you were slain too, my chlia;
was sure saw your white face ~
Ing by the counts; but when return
ed to the dreadful scene, found no
trace of you, only your torn veil. l
feared that they had carried you on;
but a wild hope also led me to seek
you here. Heaven be praised tnat you
are spared!
ooh. my mother, my mother" moan
ed Folicie. g,
"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" 800.
"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-tne
love I bore the sainted dead, is doubly
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. -,
II 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:
81 must 90 back to the chateau be-
fore that rufflan band return with
augmented strength. We will secure
all valuables 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 ind 1t!
She gave him brief directions, and
added anXiously:
But If they return, and oVerpoWeF
you-what will become of me-"
"There is no danger. They must go
to Frejus, first; my men still hold the
chateau. 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
lis here. The bodies are decently in
TERED in the garden, by this time.
Have no fear of violence, and try TO
snare yourself more anguish than is
nossible. You will be calm and pa
tient while I leave your
81 will try. VIII the light show?"
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 two hours solitude,
but it 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
uOWn by Lu6 COuCuJ WIN hOi hC"u
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
young man with very pale face and
evidently weak and suffering-who
was dressed in a plain citizens suit,
accompanied him. Emile at once tx
planned.
"a friend Of mine, mademolselle,
who has got into difficulty with the
mob, and he must be concealed, like
wise"
She bowed, and looked compassion
ately at the pale-featured youth.
81 hope 1 will not intrude upon the
lady" observed the stranger in very
weak accents; "if were not so be-
wildered and helpless, 1 would try to
find other shelter"
Nay" answered Lady Felicie, earn
estly; II have stood too sorely in need
Of a friend myself, to be chary Of my
sympathy for others"
He ought to lie down at once; he
has received a very severe blow upon
his head. am thankful there are two
compartments to my den."
And as he spoke, Emile removed a