The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1897-02-25

Hcuidte rest II
49, quiet. He looked a
little doubtfully 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 1t
might be managed, but it is a risk. and
If you could, without too much incon-
venience, keep him for a couple Of
nights at any rate"
"Oh!' cried the colonel, interrupting,
do not think twice about it; v
fence is nothing in a case of urgency,
n 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 1t. He a not only spoken of Dick,
with whom he was in no way intimate,
as "a valued friend"-that was, per-
haps, only a piece of his habitual po-
lteness-but he had also readily en-
tered into a plan which did in fact in
Volve a considerable inconvenience, and
this was by no means so usual a 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 a spare-room
adjoining it on the same floor, and
separated from 1t only by a partition
wall OF slight construction. through
which the sound of conversation was by
no means inaudible. Now, it happened
by Ill fortune that on this very evening
matters were to be spoken Of in that
drawing-room which must not be over
heard by any living ear. The meeting
was which could not be postponed.
and no other room in the house was
suitable for It. for it was to be in ap-
pearance a merely social gathering.
And all his the colonel knew as we'll
as she did.
AS they sat at dinner she alluded to
the question while the ~ervants were
absent from the room.
YES" replied NJ. de Montaut, sit is
unfortunate, but it would be inhuman
to % 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 US"
"Eh bien, then we will remain quiet
ut will be his duty to inform against
u.s. she replied.
A an officer, true" said her compan-
ion, cody; but on this occasion the
gallant captain will not fulfill that duty,
for he has another more imperative"
She looked at him in doubt.
"The duty, 1 mean, of a loyal cheva-
Her"
81 know him better!" was the exclam-
alton on her lips, but she checked it,
INT hesitated for an answer.
I'm reality" he said, I'VE need fear
no such complication. L have just recol-
lected that the doctor said he intended
to give his patient a composing draught
Mt 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 it
will be effectual?"
Il will see to 1t myself, IL you wish, :"
he replied; but I 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, Il shall
never change; it is not that I 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 a good idea of yours said
Camilla, as he produced 1t.
T Colonel de Montaut belongs the
credit Of suggesting it," was the reply.
Really" she said; Il should not have
suspected that"
The colonel looked a 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-
ceive them. A conversation on the most
general subjects at cnce began, but
there was an air cf expectation in the
manner Of all, and when the colonel
entered every n turned to him as
though with an %unspoken inquiry.
He greeted the two newcomers, and
turned to Madame de Montaut. Il
think we may begin now he said.
She looked at him and raised her
eyebrows interrogatively. He nodded 10
signify that Dick was fast asleep. and