Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-01-21

| 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! l might as we'll try to
empty the basin of the Mediterranean"
said M. Pierre, in querulous tone. Il
should like to see the letter, my lady"
The cheek of the countess flushed.
Il 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 sim
gular 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.
II am not aware that the correct full
filment of your masters commands re-
quires any further enlightenment, NJ.
Pierre; at all events, you will receive
none from me-"
Eat least you will refrain from med
ding with me-" said the man, with
suppressed anger. 81 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
refuse to allow you to use unnecessary
harshness with our good people" an
swered she, with icy calmness.
Il thought the question Of your in
reference was settled the last time the
count was away" said NJ Pierre, with
malicious glance of triumph.
A little glow burned moment on her
pale cheek, and then died out, leaving
it whittier still. She had not yet forgot
ten the humiliating scene when her I'M
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.
IN. 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."
M. Pierre cast down his eyes, and
twirled his hat in silence.
II wish to ask you concerning these
rumors about strange man with a
spade, seen in the Little Forest. Taken
; In connection with these instructions
from the count, it grows significant,
and l desire to have it investigated. y
NJ. Pierre's sallow countenance took
still dingier hue.
"An old woman's story, got up by
that old driveller, Jeannot" exclaimed
he, testify.
Then you have heard about it?"
81 could not keep my ears open, your
ladyship, and not hear. Some one or
other is chattering about it continual
ly," was his hasty reply.
81 conclude that you give the story
little credence, by your tone"
Certainly not; it is all manufactured
by the superstitious FOOLS"
you do not think that such a man
has been SEEM"
mo one in their senses would believe
it. No one of them has ever seen such
a man at all, was the decisive but over
vehement reply.
The countess kept her calm eyes on
his face.
"Jeannot is not given to idle stories.
I wish, NJ. Pierre, you would look into
the matter, and sift it out thorough
ly."
But, my lady, assure you there has
been no such man seen by any one"
IN. Pierre, Lady Felicie saw him
with her own eyes this very night"
NJ. Pierre with difficulty repressed an
oath; his face was fairly convulsed
with his efforts to hide his chagrin and
confusion.
81 am overwhelmed with astonish-
ment," stammered he; "of course l
cannot doubt Lady Felicies word, but
when one is frightened, imagination
can go a great way"
Lady Felicie's red lips curled, and she
could scarcely hold her quivering voice
to calmness as she interposed:
Though l were ever so terrified, NJ.
Pierre, it would not be likely that my
companion and myself should have
seen precisely the same apparition"
you had companion?"
II did. We both saw dark figure
with a spade ON his shoulder passing
along the forest path"
He sat a moment in silence; then
crossing himself with a sanctimonious
air, exclaimed:
"Jeannot must be right, then; it is
a ghost or lie diable hlmselfw
81 think you will find the ghost a
substantial one; at all events, l wish
| Won To investigate the matter and