Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-03-25

j remember WISHING IL once OF
twice. must pause moment before
can tell you its direction from this
spot. But 1t frightens me to think Of
your attempting such dangerous
feat"
ut is vitality necessary, II 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 I consent; but upon
one condition. shall accompany you,
Jules"
my precious chlOtilde, not for the
world"
81 insist upon It. Whatever happens
to you must share 1t with you; be-
sides, I>can recognize the spring at
once, and you might search a long time
for It,"
my beloved one, let me brave this
little danger alone. What would Emile
say to me II he knew I allowed you
to venture out so far?"
1T does not matter; you shall
allow 1t; you yield to 1t because there
is no help for 1t. 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 mel / was never
so thirsty in my lifep
Jules deliberately poured out glass
and held 1t toward her.
"You shall not deny yourself while
there is so much left to u.s."
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 1t back
only half empty.
'Now 1 must return to my post, and
learn how near the sentinels approach
us. Can It be possible for them to hear
our voices when above us!
II think not, or Emile would have
warned US"
ooh, Invaluable, allwise Emile! what
detains himw 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 Felicle followed silently be-
hind him, Notwithstanding his entreaty
to the co. ".
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 a 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 star
beam from above slid through the can
opy Of leaves and gave 1t tender kiss.
The trembling pair gave sigh Of re-
lief. Jules hastily knelt down and
dipped the pitcher into 1t. He turn
ed and held it up to Chlotilde's lips.
Draught Of nectar from the very cup Of
Tltania 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,
scuffle, 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.
1t 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, tAe
precious water was lost, not a drop
remained; for in his struggle with the
man who had pounced upon him, Jules
had dropped the bucket.
Then shlvering 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 bewlldered astonish-
ment.
"This is certainly witchcratsp ejac-
ulated one.
HE was here a moment ago, and
now he has gone. Peste! has he wings
like bird, or legs like squirrel? It
is always here, in this spot, that the
villain disappears. Captain Pierre
must hear Of this. What a wise man