Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-02-04


which had concealed his face, stepped
forward from a hidden nook. and
spoke gaily:
Good day, my fair gardener! Sell
me one of your bouquets. pray you.
Jules saw the deadly pallor which
overspread his companion's face, and
dextrously bending between them, him
self singled out bouquet and held II
toward the stranger.
The sharp, keen eye of the latter
roved over his features triumphantlyi
but without remark, he accepted the
bouquet, and again turning to the girl
he inquired the price.
She had summoned resolution enough
to answer without sign Of trepidation.
He hunted up the money. took his
bouquet, and marched away. never
once turning to glance behind.
Chlotilde-as he called her-seized
Jules arm, and drawing him aside
she whispered:
I'VE must fly! not an hour. not
moment, not second can be lost. IL
was NJ. Pierre: he knew me beyond
doubt: read his malignant triumph
on his face. oh. Jules! let us get to
Emile-somehow. as speedily as possi-
ble."
Jules perceived at once the dangerous
emergency.
Get your hat and cloak. Chlotiide;
we will go with the boy to hnd Emile.
What can we find to fill our baskets. to
give us excuse for reaching him!
Chlotilde pointed to her plants.
Without another word. Jules hasteh-
ed to dig them up. and set them In the
basket; while she entered the cottage
for the few articles she dared take
with her.
Side by side they followed. breath
lessly, the lead OF the wondering peas
ant boy. and went on into the crowd
and stir of the city. They were TOO
excited and eager to be aware OF the
dark browed, villainous looking man.
who followed stealthily In their steps
never losing sight OF them for mo-
ment.
The streets were alive with n dense
throng of people. and It was evident
some great event was at hand. by the
cleaning eyes. violent gesticulations.
and set faces OF the multitude. who all
seemed surging in one direction.
The guide. in spite Of the remon-
STRANGE of Jules. Joined the living tide.
with the careless explanation:
I'VE shall be sure to find citizen
Emile ut the square: the Gray FALCON
is always at hand when such sport Is
going on. 1t has something to do with
the Austrian woman: maybe they are
to take on her head to-day. You're In
luck TO be in to see the sight"
Lady Felicie strove to hide the shud
der which ran through her frame ut
these words. and glanced apprehen-
sively at her companion.
Jules had turned deadly pale. his
lips were set. his eyes cleaned fierce
ly as he answered:
Tell me where We can find the Gray
Falcons usual resort. and then you
may go your way. We have no time to
waste now."
The boy laughed coarsely. rs the
crowd growing more and more dense
took them along with 1t.
You have no other choice" said he;
"and there be those in Paris who
would take you up right smartly Tor
calling It waste Of time to see the
neck of tyranny broken on the shrine
Of freedom"
Jules took the rebuke mildly. The
horrors OF witnessing the terrible scene
his Imagination presented. had quite
,verpowered his fears for personal
safety, but now once again returned the
If their own danger.
I'VE shall sell nothing here. Chic
tide" said he; ''if we could only see
The Gray Falcon. We might return again
to witness the brave sights"
A broad shouldered. rcd-faced vira-
20. one of a crowd OF fercely gesticu-
lnting Amazons. overheard his words
What do you expect to do with the
flowers, white face? You had better
throw them away and take up pike.
There are no fine lords to buy your
bouquets now; why do You bring them
here?"
Are the fine lords the on.y ones to
enjoy fiowers?" answered Jules. II
thought we citizens were to be allow
ed to enjoy them now. They are ma
ture's jewels, she puts them around the
cottage more plentifully than before
the palace. Take bunch. citizens. and
see how pretty 1t will make you look:
so young and gay. you know"
The woman laughed coarsely. thrust
out her horny hand for bouquet, and
II at her breast.
We'll. well. at the best. can make
use of it. for when the proud Austrian
lays her dainty head on the block. I'll
fling 1t in her face. She's used to bou-
quets. you know. and will appreciate
the compliment"
Jules echoed her laugh. though his
heart was frozen at the brutality OF
the creature, but his companion turn
cd her wild eyes into the woman's face
with an expression OF utter horror
which It was impossible to misunder-
stand.
The virago perceived It, and ex-
claimed angrily:
What ails that simpleton? does she
dare to sympathize with the proud ty-
rants? She's an aristocrat. I'll swear!"
Lady Felicie trembled from head to
foot; her fortitude seemed entirely to
have forsaken her.
Jules hastily pressed her arm in
warming md hau,p fa rail a-rrit,.