Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1897-10-27

! upon all that occurs around us. For
urgent and sufficient reasons. he wishes
you to prevent any of our people leav-
ing the village, and especially charges
you to keep away all strangers from
meddling with them"
"Humph! might as well try to
empty the basin of the Mediterranean,
said NJ. Pierre, in a querulous tone. II
should like to see the letter, my lady"
| The cheek of the countess flushed
have given you his message, NJ
Pierre word for word there is no more
| In the letter which concerns you"
Just as your ladyship pleases, | sup
pose: but If the count were here,
should know what has led to such sin
enlar commands-you are quite well
aware of that"
The words themselves were not so ir-
ritating as the mans manner; the
countess seemed to change into an icy
statue
Il am not aware that the correct full
tilment of your masters commands re-
quires any further enlightenment, NJ
Pierre: at all events, you will receive
none from me-"
AT least you will refrain from med
ding with me-" said the man. with
suppressed anger. Il cannot manage
the obstinate brutes if they are al
lowed to run to you for redress every
half hour"
Il shall not hinder the execution of
the counts wishes. l shall certainly
! rnfnCa In al To nv
harshness with our good people" an
swered she, with icy calmness.
II thought the question of your in
reference was 5ettled the last time the
count was away" said NJ Pierre, with
a malicious glance of triumph
A little glow burned a moment on her
pale cheek, and then died out, leaving
it whittier still. She had not yet forgot
ten the humiliating scene when her un-
feeling, tyrannical husband had al
lowed this brutal wretch TO trample up
on her rights. She had interfered be-
tween his angry violence and one of
the most faithful of the peasants, and
the count had reprimanded her in the
very presence of her unworthy oppon-
net when the latter had carried to him
his audacious complaints.
Felicie, with flaming eyes, sprang to
her feet, but her mothers restraining
hand held her back
"M Pierre" said the countess, in
that severe, icy tone, my husband has
peculiar ideas concerning the authority
of an overseer over the peasants;
have yet to learn that he will sanction
? insolence, from that overseer, to the
Countess Languedoc."
NJ. Pierre cast down his eyes, anC
twirled his hat in silence.
Il wish to ask you concerning thes,
rumors about a strange man with
! spade, seen in the Little Forest TakeI
> in connection with these instruction.
from the count, it grows significant
and | desire to have it investigated.
i NJ. Pierre's sallow countenance tool
: a still dingier hue.
= AN old woman's story, got up b,
: that old driveller, Jeannotr exclaimed
he, testify.
Then you have heard about it ?"
> Il could not keep my ears Open youl
iadyship and not hear. Some one ol
i. other is chattering about it continual
ly," was his hasty reply.
Il conclude that you give the stor.
I little credence, by your tone"
u Certainly not; 1t Is all manufacturer
!, by the superstitious FOOLS
You do not think that such a MAJ
has been SEEM"
: mo one In their senses would believ
i it. No one of them has ever seen suel
J. a man at all, was the decisive but owe
Y vehement reply.
IS The countess kept her calm eyes ol
= his face.
"Jeannot is not given to idle stories
Z wish, NJ. Pierre, you would look int
5. the matter, and sift 1t out thorough
ly."
81 But, my lady, assure you there ha
II been no such man seen by any one"
Is m. Pierre, Lady Felicie saw hil
= with her own eyes this very night"
4 NJ. Pierre with difficulty repressed a
p oath; his face was fairly convulse
with his efforts to hide his chagrin an
II confusion.
Il am overwhelmed with astonisl
III ment," stammered he; "of course
TX cannot doubt Lady Feicies word, bl
?" when one is frightened, imaginatic
r can go a great way"
n Lady Felicie's red lips curled and 81
I'd could scarcely hold her quivering vol
20 to calmness as she interposed:
ne Though | were ever so terrified,
ee Pierre, it would not be likely that n
a companion and myself should HAY
a seen precisely the same apparition.
You had a companion?" ?"
e I did. We both saw dark figul
ne with a spade on his shoulder passin
r. along the forest path
ut He sat a moment in silence; the
m crossing himself with a sanctimoniot
l air exclaimed:
ne "Jeannot must be right, then; it
a ghost or lie diable himselfp'
sh 4 think you will find the ghost
~ substantial one; at all events, | wi.
you to investigate the matter and
Y shall write the count TO hasten hon
:. to attend to it himself Now, | wi
= - you good evening, NJ Pierre"
a. The oyerseer rose, bowed, and W
" evidently glad TO get away. The m
n ment he was gone. Lady Felicie sa
impressiyely.
.ir Mamma, the detestable man know
he more about the ghost than he pr