The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-12-11
CHAPTER IV.-lCoNr1runp.l

sna strange names =uaHcSu4 dIouB It's
pathway. l laughed at. his credulity,
till suddenly he turned and dared me to
accompany him, to have proof given
me by my own eyes"
Dared you, Felicie? Could old
Jeannot have been so insoIent and inn
prudent?"
"oh, he was perfectly respectful; and
remember, l had stung him to retort
by my railery and unbelief. He called
to me at sunset, as was on the ter
race, that the apparition had passed,
and l might see it return If ! would
hasten to the forest. So went, mann
ma"
The countess looked startled.
1T was fortunate the count was alb
sent; what would he have said?"
"Ah, but knew he was not here, and
trusted to obtain your forgiveness.
Yes, mamma, went with Jeannot, and
| saw the ghost"
"You are testing, Felicie"
mot at all; l certainly saw the dark
figure, with the spade over his should
ers, and a weird circle of blue light
followed him, or, rather, surrounded
him. Don't let Jeannot dream of it.,
but l was truly frightened. 1t is
really very strange, especially if, as
Jeannot asserts, there is no trace of
human working in the forest, for we
heard the blows distinctly"
This is extremely singular; it must
he tn o. did mot fell
you the rest that your father wrote.
He said all Paris was in ferment of
secret agitation. The Assembly are at
their wits end how TO remedy the disas-
trous condition of the whole country;
the lower classes are sullen, and have
been detected in a vast organization
for some unknown purpose. He bade
me charge nj. Pierre to keep jealous
watch over our peasantry, and forbid
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
Jeannots 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;
l will speak to M. Pierre at once"
81 wonder my father did not writ3 to
M. Pierre his 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.
81 will send for Jeanpot, too, after
M, Pierre is gone" she said at length;
1--WE 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"
I 81 was not thinking of myself, Fee
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
! II am sure l cannot blame them;
often and often have l blushed in
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.
1 She waved her hand deprecatingly,
and Felicie knew that insinuations
against her father would not be lis
tened to.
Here comes the adorable NJ Pierre
Il hear that mincing footstep Of his.
Put on your statliest dignity, mamma,
II the peasantry hear malice against
others. ! am certain they could tear
him limb from limb. I am sure it is
like a snow-blast whenever he comes
near me. Ugh. ore must endure loath-
some things now and then l sup
pose"
Hush. Felicie! NJ. Pierre is your
fathers confidential agent"
But you despise him-you know you
do. mamma! why may not one speak
tho things they cannot help thinking?"
There was no opportunity for answer
ing. The door was noiselessly un-
closed, and middle aged man, dressed
in 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 seryility and auda-
city.
The low obeisance said plainly re-
spect your rank; you are my lady, the
But the bold eye and super
cilious smile added-you detest me, but
/ do not care. am above any harm
from you. Let me do or say what l