Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-06-17

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lrs| NSSXnI \ SAASAA W NC oASu S ia
NkNZNI M. themselves: but for
cSXEEZAAS the feverish condi-
SN%SAMES~ ton to which they
eSzEENTE had given rise
1SNG he prescribed inn
NIbAlS& mediate rest and
INN quiet. He looked a
little doub.fully at each Of his listen
ers in turn as he said this:
"You mean," inquired Camilla, "that
he must not be moved for the present."
WELL" was the reply, "of course it
might be managed, but 1t is risk, and
II you could, without too much incon-
venience. keep him for couple OF
nights at any rate
"Oh!' cried the colonel, interrupting.
do not think twice about it; conven-
fence is nothing in case of urgency,
and Capt. Estcourt is a valued friend
of ours"
The surgeon looked relieved, and
went away promising to return the
same evening.
Camilla for herself approved the ar
rangement made by her brother-in-law.
but she was at the same time surprised
at it. He had not only spoken of Dick,
with whom he was in no way intimate,
as "a valued friend"-that was, per-
AA0pSs OAAy q PASSC VI Ills udUllud1 pOS
Nteness-but he had also readily en-
tered into plan which did in fact In
volve considerable inconvenience. and
this was by no means so US al thing
for him. At least, he always had a
personal motive for such acts, and she
was at a loss to see an adequate one
here: for the difficulty which he had
thus brought upon himself was no slight
one. The patient had been taken from
the drawing-room into spare-room
adjoining it on the same floor, and
separated from it only by partition
wall Of slight construction, through
which the sound of conversation was by
no means inaudible. Now. 1t happened
by i'll fortune that on this very evening
matters We're to be spoken Of in that
drawing-room which must not be over
heard by any living ear. The meeting
was one which could not be postponed.
and no other room in the house was
suitable for it, for it was to be in ap-
pearance merely social gathering.
And all this the colonel knew as we'll
as she did.
the question while the servants were
absent from the room.
Yes" replied M. de Montaut, 'ft is
unfortunate. but it would be tnhuman
to move our poor friend; his safety may
depend on his remaining quiet"
On his remaining quiet!" said Ca
milla. Our safety will certainly depend
on that, If he does overhear u.s.
Eth bien. then we will remain quiet"
1T -,'ill be his duty to inform against
u.s. 's-e replied
AS an officer. true.' said her compan-
Ion. cody; "but on this occasion the
gallant captain will not fulfill that duty,
Tor he has another more Imperative"
She looked at him in doubt
The duty, mean. of loyal cheva-
Her"
Il know him better!' was the exclam-
alton on her lips, but she checked it,
and hesitated for an answer.
In reality" he said. I'VE need fear
no such complication. have just recol-
.lected that the doctor said he intended
to give his patient a composing draught
at an early hour this evening, SO he will
hear no treason after ALL.
You are sure?" she asked; ''sure, I
mean. that he will give it. and that 1t
will be effectual?"
I will see to it myself, If you WISH
he replied; "but am surprised to find
you so apprehensive for our security.
You used to think no risk too great to
run for the good cause"
In that" she said, holly, st shall
never change; 1t is not that am luke
warm, as you will see tonight"
He bowed, and rose from the table to
open the door for her. Before they had
been IN the drawing-room half an hour
the surgeon returned. He brought with
him the sleeping draught.
That Is good idea of yours" said
Camilla. as he produced it.
TO Colonel de Montaut belongs the
credit Of suggesting it," was the reply.
Really" she said;"I should not have
suspected that
The colonel looked little confused,
Within five minutes of the doctors
departure the. bell rang twice in rapid
succession, and three gentlemen were
ushered into the drawing-room, where
Madame de Montaut was waiting to re-
ceiye them. A conversation on the most
general subjects at once began, but
there was an air of expectation in the
manner OF all, and when the colonel
entered every one turned to him as
though with an unspoken inquiry.
He greeted the two newcomers, and
turned to Madame de Montaut II
think we may begin now" he said.
She looked at him and raised her
eyebrows fnterrogatively. He nodded to
4 signify that Dick was fast asleep, and
sat down at small table. laying a
bundle Of papers upon it.
MY friends, he said, IT have sum-
inoned you tonight to propose a fresh
attempt
He looked at the faces around him
and observed that Camilla was similar
ly occupied. His hearers showed by
s their looks that they perfectly under.
stood his meaning, but were either re-
served or unenthusiastic In the matter.
I'M. Carnac." he continued. with