Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-01-28
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They went tramping all about the
spot, and one struck his heavy pike
against the tree trunk, making the |
girl spring back wildly.
Jules took her hand In both his, and
held 1t firmly; the darkness concealed
his quivering lip and flashing eye.
But presently the men were tired
hunting over the vacant ground, and
they dispersed to their separate sta
tions.
Jules led his silent companion down
to the lower room. She turned and
threw herself into his arms with a
sob of anguish.
Jules, Jules, we shall perish togeth-
er! there is little comfort in that
thought"
His breast was heaving, Too well he
knew how little hope. there was. even
of such melancholy end. He had
learned enough from Emile. to feel
convinced that she would be torn away
from him at once.
Eyes, they will certainly mark the
spot well. They will dig for traces of
a secret passage; you heard them
sounding the tree. Oh, that we had
remained quiet. We have not even
glass of water to atone for the mis-
hap"
They said nothing more concerning
their apprehensions. but made no at
tempt at cheerfulness, and sat hand
clasped in hand In utter silence.
Slowly and sadly wore away the
night, and the next day. Neither could
touch food, but their feverish thirst
seemed to increase, as the precious
water disappeared. By another night
fall there remained but q single wine
glass full.
Drink 1t, Chlotilde!" exclaimed
Jules. bitterly. us he saw her eyes
dwell upon it wistfully; "by another
day 1t will be of no consequence. That
Pierre has been examining the place
himself: he has ordered them to COM
mence telling the trees by the morning
light"
Lady Felicie clasped her hands. and
her white lips moved prayerfully-then
she said tremulously:
M. Pierre! oh. Jules! shoot me with
your pistol before you allow me to fall
into his hands,"
"Chlotilde. let us try to escape from
the forest tonight. rather than be
dragged forth by their triumphant
hands"
But whittier shall we go?" asked
she. sorrowfully.
He groaned in anguish.
"whither, indeed! oh, Emile, Mon
sieur Emile, what has become OF your
The words had hardly passed his lips
ere & step was heard on the rude
stairs leading to the secret door above.
They sprang up with cheeks grow
ing still more ashy white, and turned
wild glances to the aperture. Had their
persevering enemy at last discovered
the secret passage to them?
Hastily came the intruder downward
the lofty head stopped to clear the
beam and then-oh. joy! oh. transport!
they beheld the pale, excited, but tri-
umphant face Of Emile!
With a glad cry, Felicie fell down at
his feet. His tears mingled with hers
as he raised her in his arms.
"My child, my beloved one! you are
safe; feared to find you completely
prostrated, If yet alive"
Jules seized his hand In transport
of delight.
He gave them few moments to re-
lieye their excitement, then produced
from the bundle he had brought, two
disguises. both for peasants of the
humblest class.
DO not delay a second beyond wha
is absolutely necessary. but put then
OH at once, and take every valuable
that YOU can conceal. The diamonds
will secrete on my own person.
Neither asked him single question
but trusting him implicitly, gav'
thought only to thorough obedience.
In a few moments they were ready
Emile quietly took powder from
his pocket and rubbed 1t over the pail
faces and hands; he gave to Jules I
different shade of hair by a powerful
LIQUID, and concealed the silky tresse
: of Felicie by most unbecoming man
tie twisted in turban fashion.
) Come now," said he, taking then
each by the hand.
! Still though their hearts beat anx
iously, neither asked single question
This implicit trust moved Emile
deeply; but he closed the door OF tn
faithful tree which had protected then
so long, and led them on in silence.
Jules looked around him with
: wistful glance. Where were the senti
nels? At least no sign of them wa
visible.
h Unmolested they gained the out
skirts. Emile pausing moment, gaze
@ oil around him.
n "It is WE'LL" murmured he; "Jea
e mas not failed me. Now let us NOV
s swiftly, nor lose the propitions me
ment."
q 1.-THE sentinels are removed! eA
T. claimed Jules, in utter astonishmen
: "They are lying senseless on Tn
/ ground" replied Emile, "a faithful fe
l. low has carried them wine wei drug
ged, and has taken 1t himself. to re
: move suspicion of his instrumentalit
in the affair. NJ. Pierre is welcome
ii dig to-morrow: we, trust, shall b
8 we'll ON our way to Paris. / have tn
I papers for the passage of the Gra'
q Falcon and his cousins Jules ant
3 Chlotilde; l hope we will meet with nj
a molestation. started with the twa't