The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-10-10

eron's terms ever crossed me. L had
however, resolved to make a dash Tor
freedom when he came to me again L
should pretend to agree, and then win
or lose all in the rush Anyway L would
not die here like a rat in trap. al
NEST chuckled to myself as l thought
was in a fair way to outWlt the Tree
lance He was a fool, after ALL though,
at the same time l could not but admit
that his move to get me to admit his
innocence was a skillful one; still, 1t was
a plot that might overreach itself. MY
captors had eased me Of my belt, VIII Gu
was SO well stuffed with piStoles. They
had not, however, had time or oppor-
tuIity to search me further and had
left my clasp knife, which lay in my
pocket, as l have said, together with
dozen or so of gold pieces L had kept
there to be at hand. l pulled out the
knife, and, opening it, ran my fingers
along the blade. 1t was three inches
or so in length, but sharp as razor;
and with it one might inflict an ugly
wound in a struggle. l mapped out my
plan mentally. When De Gomeron
came again 1 should fell him as he en-
tered, arm myself, if possible, by
snatching his sword, and then cut my
way out or be cut down. I had no doubt
that l might be able to effect the first
part of the programme. In those days
[ was as strong as a bull, and there
We're few men, especially if they were
unprepared, who could have stood
blow from me. 1t was in act that
might come to grief. At any rate 1t
would be a final and quick ending to
the business, not the long-drawn out
agony 1 would otherwise have to en-
dure Now that think of it, it was
poor enough plan, and it was lucky
that, under Providence, another way
was shown to me. Such as it was, how
ever, it was the only thing that oc-
Cured to me at that time, and it
would not be for want of effort on my
part that it would fail. The more I
thought over it then the more l was
convinced that it was my sole chance,
and / grew impatient for the moment
when l should put my design into eX-
ecution. Twenty-four hours was long
to wait, and 1 raved at myself for hav-
ing fixed such time. Morbleu! l might
have had the sense to make it five, or
three, or two hours! [ little guessed as
1 paced the cell impatiently how many
hours had passed since De Gomeron left
me- and that it was impossible to meas
IRE time in that loathSOme dungeon. AS
I sat brooding, the profound silence
was once more suddenly disturbed by
the sudden Earring of bolt. 1t was
not, however, the door of my cell that
was OpSn6Q, DuJ d llellc WICKET dUOut
a foot square, and through this there
flashed again binding light, ard the
face Of Babette peered in. So malign
was its aspect that shuddered in spite
Of myself, and then, in a fury I could
not control, shouted out:
''Out of my presence, bag! Begone!'
20; hor' she laughed, "a time will
come when monsieur will go on his two
knees and pray to Babette-to good Ba-
bette-to kind Babette-in day or so
it will be thus'-and she laughed shril-
~. But I go as you wish, to carry
your refusal to the captain"
She made movement as If to go;
but cursing myself at very nearly hav-
ing spoilt all, burst out. stay
and. she looked back.
Monsieur" she grinned through the
wicket.
See here" and in my eagerness my
voice was hoarse and thick, 900 crowns
Il you free me from this, and 1000 more
if you will do the same for madame"
"Will monsieur add a palace in the
moon to this?"
at give you the word of d'Auriac!
Fifteen hundred crowns is, a fortune.
They will be yours in six hours from
the time you free us. Think of it
1900 crowns. 4"
Never have I seen ayarice blaze so