The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-01-22
CHAPTER Iv.-(CoYrrxunp.)

That is strange indeed!
HE declared that he had seen it half
dozen times; that it was always at
such place, and that it carried shower
and strange flames danced along lts
pathway. l laughed at his credullty'
till suddenly he turned and dared me 10
accompany him, to have PROOF given
me by my own eyes"
Dared you, Felicie? Could ola
Jeannot have been so insolent ana I'M
prudent?"
ooh, he was perfectly respectful; and
remember, had stung him TO retort
by my railery and unbelief. He called
to me at sunset, as l was on the ter
race, that the apparltion had passed,
and might see it return II l wouio
hasten to the forest. So went, NAM
ma"
The countess looked startled.
at was fortunate the count was ap-
sent; what would he have sald?
"Ah, but knew he was not here, ana
l trusted to obtain your forgiveness
Yes, mamma, l went with Jeannot, and
[ saw the ghost"
you are jesting, Felicie"
mot at all; certainly saw the dark
figure, with the spade over his should
ers. and a weird circle of blue hgnt
followed him, or, rather, surrounded
him. Don't let Jeannot dream OF IT,
but 1 was truly frightened. IL Is
really very strange, especially II, as
Jeannot asserts, there Is no trace Oh
human working in the forest, FOR we
heard the blows distinctly"
"This is extremely singular; 1t must
be Investigated at once. did not tell
you the rest that your father wrote.
He said all Paris was in ferment Oh
secret agitation. The Assembly are at
their wits end how to remedy the dlsas-
trous condition of the whole country;
the lower classes are sullen, and have
been detected in vast organization
for some unknown purpose. he pade
me charge M. Pierre to keep jealous
watch over our peasantry, ana IorDlu
their leaving the place, or receiving
strangers, who might spread among
them the incendiary disaffection OF the
larger towns. was in hopes there was
no need of the caution, but this story OF
Jeannot's alarms me; of course reject
the supernatural part of it, but that
stranger is lurking around here cannot
be doubted, if you have seen him with
your own eyes. Ring the bell, my love;
[ will speak to M. Pierre at once"
81 wonder my father did not write to
M. Pierre 8 instructions; he knows
how disagreable the man is to you!
observed Felicie, as she obeyed.
The countess did not answer; she
was gazing thoughtfully upon the
floor.
az will send for Jeannot, too, after
M. Pierre is gone," she said at length;
I'VE must neglect no possible precau-
ton"
What do you fear, mamma? L am
sure we have no one on the estate but
would willingly risk his own life to
save yours, or mine, either, for that
matter"
81 was not thinking Of myself, Fe-
licie. but of your father; / fear he is
not liked by any Of our people. He
does not understand their trials, and
is impatient with them sometimes
fear they call him harsh master"
81 am sure l cannot blame them;
often and often have l blushed III
shame for him, and glowed with indig-
nation for Them" answered the candid
daughter.
The crimson tide swept over the
countess face, as though it were her
own sinfulness Felicie had alluded to.
She waved her hand deprecatingly.
and Felicie knew that insinuations
against her father would not be lis
tened TO.
"Here comes the adorable M. Pierre
Il hear that mincing footstep of his.
Put on your statliest dignity, mamma
If the peasantry bear malice against
others, am certain they could tear
him limb from limb. l am sure 1t Is
like a snow blast whenever he comes
near me. Ugh! one must endure loath-
some things now and then sup
pose"
'Hush. Felicie! M. Pierre is your
fathers confidential agent"
"But you despise him-you know you
do. mamma! Why M OF one speak
the things they cannot help thinking?"
/ There was no opportunity for answer
ing. The door was noiselessly I'M
closed. and middle aged man, dressed
in a tightly fitting suit of snuff colored
broadcloth, with silk stockings Of the
same color, and shining steel knee
buckles. came. forward, bowling with a
singular mixture of servility and auda-
city.
The low obeisance said plainly-I re-
spect your rank; you are my lady, the
countess. But the bold eye and super
ciIious smile added-you detest me, but
I do not care. l am above any harm
from you. Let me do or say what l
will, you are powerless to send me
away.
"You sent for me, my lady-you wish
to speak to me-" said he, in smooth,