The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-03-26

cried out another; Tets drag him out
tonight, and earn the reward"
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 sover the vacant ground, and
they dispersed to their separate sta
tons.
Jules led his silent companion down
to the lower room. She turned ard
threw herself into his arms with a
sob Of anguish.
Jules, Jules, we shall perish togeth
err! 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
secret passage; you heard them
sounding the tree. Oh, that we had
remained quiet. We have not even a
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 single wine
glass full.
Drink it, Chlotildew exclaimed
Jules, bitterly, as he saw her eyes
dwell upon 1t wistfully; "by another
day it 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 TREMENDOUSLY:
IN. Pierre! oh, Jules! shoot me yrfch
your pistol before you allow me to fall
into his hands,"
"Chloti'de, 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.
whittier, indeed! oh, Emile, Mon
sieur Emile, what has become of your"
The words had hardly passed his lips
ere a. 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 chances to the aperture. Had their
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-
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
Frustrated, if yet alive"
Jules seized his hand in a transport
Of delight.
He gave them few moments to re-
lieve their excitement, then produced
from the bundle he had brought, two
DISCUSSES, both for peasants of the
humblest class.
"Do not delay second beyond what
Is absolutely necessary, but put them
OH at once, and take every valuable
that you can conceal. The diamonds l |
will secrete on my own person"
Neither asked him a single question;
but trusting him implicitly, gave
thought only to thorough obedience.
In a few moments they were ready. |
Emile quietly took a powder from |
lis pocket and rubbed it over the pale |
faces and hands; he gave to Jules a
shade of hair by a powerful |
liquid, and concealed the silky tresses
If Felicie by most unbecoming man
lie twisted in turban fashion.
Come now" said he, taking them
ZACH by the hand.
Still. though their hearts beat anx-
ously, neither asked a single question.
This implicit trust moved Emile,
leeply; but he closed the door of the
aithful tree which had protected them
10 long, and led them on in silence.
Jules looked around him with a
Wistful glance. Where were the senti-
nels? At least no sign of them was
Visible.
Unmolested they gained the out
kirts. Emile pausing moment, gazed
III around him.
at is WE'LL" murmured he; Jean
las not failed me. Now let us move
witty, nor lose the propitious mo-
nent."
"The sentinels are removed~ ex-
laimed Jules. in utter establishment.