Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-01-21
CHAPTER lv.-lCoxr1NuEp.l

~ uUIcn lRmcS1 ludl IL was always -
such place, AID that 1t carried shovel
and strange flames danced along its
pathway. laughed at his credullty'
till suddenly he turned and dared me to
accompany him, to have proof given
me by my own eyes"
Dared you, Felicle? Gould ola
Jeannot have been SO insolent ana I'M
prudent?"
"0h, he was perfectly respectful; and
remember, had stung him to retort
by my railery and uhbelief. he called
to me at sunset, as l was on the ter
race, that the apparltion had passed,
and l might see it return II would
hasten to the forest. So / went, mann
ma"
The countess looked startled.
1T was fortunate the count was aD-
sent: what would he have saidY
"Ah, but knew he was not here ana
trusted to obtain your forgiveness.
Yes, mamma, went with Jeannot' and
R3saw the ghost"
eYou 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 was truly frightened. 1t Is
really very strange, especially II, as
Jeannot asserts, there is no trace OF
human working in the forest, Tor we
heard the blows distinctly"
"This is extremely singular; 1t must
be investigated at once. did not tell
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 babe
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 oil
Jeannot's alarms me; Of course reJec'
the supernatural part Of 1t, but that a
stranger is lurking around here cannot
be doubted, If you have seen him with
your own eyes. Ring the bell, my love
Twill speak to M. Pierre at once"
II wonder my father did not write to
M. Pierre his instructions; he knows
how disagreable the man is to you!
observed Felicie, as she obeyed.
The countess did not answer; snt
was gazing thoughtfully upon the
door.
II win send for Jeannot, too. after
M. PiBrre is gone" she said at length
'9re must neglect no possible precau-
ton"
what do you fear, mamma? l am
sure we have no one on the estate Du'
would willingly risk his own life to
save yours, or mine, either, for tna'
matter"
II was not thinking Of myself, Fe-
licie. but of your father; l fear ne is
not liked by any of our people. he
does not understand their trials and
is impatient with them sometimes
fear thew call him harsh master"
81 am sure / cannot blame them
often and often have l blushed IN
shame for him, and glowed with indig-
nation for them" answered the candid
daughter. 49,
The crimson tide swept over the
oountess' face. as though 1t were her
own sinfulness Felicie had alluded to-
She waved her hand deprecatingly'
and Felicie knew that insinuations
against her father would not be lis
tened to. nj,
cHere comes the adorable NJ. Pierre
y hear that mincing footstep OF his
pm on your statliest dignity, mamma
70 the neasantry bear malice against
others / am certain they could tear
him limb from limb. am sure 1t is
like a snow-blast whenever he comes
near me. Ugh! one must endure loath-
some things now and then sup
pose"
aHush, Felicie! NJ. Pierre is your
fathers confidential agent"
VBut you despise him-you know you
5S mamma! Why may not one speak
The things they cannot help thinking?
There was no opportunity for answer
ing :. The door was noiselessly UNI
closed and a middle aged man, dressed
In a 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 servility and auda-
city.
The low obeisance said plainly re-
spect your rank; you are my lady, the
countess. But the bold eye and super
eilious smile added-you detest me, but
do not care. am above any harm
from you. Let me do or say what
will. you are powerless to send me
away.
"You sent for me, my lady-you wish
to speak to me-" said he, in a smooth,
oily voice, bowling once more.
"You are right wish for few mo-
ments' conversation. Be seated"
One who had lately seen her gentle
and affectionate department in the pre-