The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-03-12

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A volley Of oaths exploded little of
M. Pierre's rage, and after it he was
able to answer coherently.
so did 1; but / have opened the
grave, and tell you two are missing.
The girl has escaped beside curses
upon my i'll luck! they have found all
the diamonds, too, and are off; but
shall track them, 1 shall find them,
though hunt France over. They are
hid up, somewhere, and they will try
to reach a foreign country. 1t is the
shore l must watch. Not a craft of
any Kind must leave Frejus or st.
Thomas night or day, without thor
ough search. I will triumph yet.
Keep a band of men around this for
est, and when day comes we will
search 1t thoroughly. 1 suspect,
though, some soft-hearted fool has
given them shelter; the peasants Of
the estate were always ready to kiss
the ground Felicie and her mother
stood on, much as they hated the
count. We must keep sharp eye on
all; there is old Jeannot, where is he,
in all this excitement? Not a sign
have seen of him"
Never you fear, comrade; if they're
around We'll beat them up. But who
could they have been, those black
masked villains who beat us, when we
thought We held the chateau?"
"Perdition seize them! 1t must be
looked to. There's not much fear of
their appearing another time things
will be more orderly in future; and the
whole country is up now. l half sus-
pect they had our motives, Pepin, to
get the diamonds and treasure for
themselves, and, curse them! they
have got them, or else that wretch re-
vived, and bolted with bride and
money both; but shall find them yet,
let me alone for that"
"The man 1 saw certainly came as
far as here, but where he went then, lie
diable only knows / lost him, like as
il the earth had opened and swallowed
him."
We'll hunt the whole place over
thoroughly, when daylight comes; this
COMPOUNDED dry ground won't give lis a
trace of steps. But come, let's station
a pack Of our men around the whole
place."
Talking eagerly, they moved slowly
off.
I'VE must lie close for our lives"
muttered Emile, as he sat down again;
but l feel pretty secure. left no
trace of my work when excavated.
The door would defy police officer
to find, without acquaintance with the
secret. Let the villain Pierre search,
the Gray Falcon is too keen-eyed to
be caught! And yet it will change my
plans-I must not attempt to leave by
the Mediterranean, l see that. 1t is
safest to go where the danger is most
imminent, when you are followed fer
there no one suspects you have the
temerity to venture. Yes, we must all
get away from here to some large city
I am not sure but it were better to
go direct to Paris itself. For Felicie
there would be little risk, but for the
youth a great deal-yet it will mar my
plans to separate them! Well. l am
not obliged to decide tonight. Now is
my opportunity for the much-needed
rest-an hour or so will freshen me
wonderfully"
He drew over him a blanket he had !
left there for the purpose, and curled |
himself up for sleep, and was evidently
accustomed to obtain rest in this man
ner, or he would not so soon have
fallen into sound sleep, in such an I'M /
comfortable position.
Below, the sick youth was lying stir !
less as a log, only the heavy breathing
showing signs of life, and Lady Felicie,
wrapt in sweet slumber, was dreaming
that her mothers arm encircled her.
and they were pacing softly on the
chateau terrace.
The gray dawn broke slowly over the
scene, the roseate flush crept up the
sky, and touched pityingly the black
ened heap of ruins where but yester-
day had risen so proudly the grand
old building. Softly the growing gold
flooded the trampeled ground, the
graves, the melancholy.
pitiable wreck of the home the Count
so fondly believed should
stand in pride throughout the century.
And he, it's naughty master, was lying
in bloody and unhallowed grave.
Mellow and warm were those sun
beams ere they crept through the leafy
canopy of the forest, and bathed CRATE
fully the massive trunk of the great
.ree, whose hollow stairway gave safe
shelter to the hapless orphan.
They all slept far into the day; but
when Emile came down he found
Felicie quietly giving the youth glass
If water, and bathing his head.
His eyes looked rational and intelli-
gent; as Emile came forward, they
frightened perceptibly.
you are better" said the latter,
oyfully.
THANK you, 1 believe so; have 1
man iIl9 Shall ua 0ot a1opo IN fha