Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-09-30
tcors,oHr. 1892. BY LoaonAs., GREEN g. Col

mutterlnB something could not catch,
and as I looked at the gloomy figure of
the man, and the musty inn, I said out
loud: "Morbleu! But it is we'll we
have time to mend our trouble and
make Rouvres-thanks, my girl" am
bending from the saddle, offered our
guide coin. She fairly snatched at it,
and then, coloring up, turned and ran
into the inn. threw another coin to
the smith, and babe him set about shoe
ing the horse.
He shuffled this way and that and an
swered duly that he would do the job
willingly, but it would take time-two
hours.
but 1t will be night by then" ex-
postulated, "and have to go OIL can
not stay here"
"As monsieur chooses" answered the
clod; 'but you see-I have nothing
ready-and 1 am slow now--I cannot
help it."
This is devil of place." ex-
claimed, resigning myself to crcum-
stances, and dismounting, handed the
reins to jacques. AS l did so l heard
voices from the inn, one apparently
that of girl, and the other that of
man, and it would seem that she was
urging something; but what it was l
could not catch, nor was curious as to
the point of discussion; but 1t struck
me that as we had to wait here two
hours 1T would be well to inquire if l
could get some refreshments for our
selves, and a feed for the beasts. For
answer to my question got gruff ego
and ask my daughter" from the smith,
who turned as he spoke and began to
tumble with his tools. felt my tenn
per rising holly, but stayed my arm,
and bidding Jacques keep an eye on the
horses stepped toward the door of the
Inn. AS put my hand on it to press it
open, some one from within made an
effort to keep it shut; but was in no
mood to be triAed with further, and,
| pushing back the door without further
ceremony, stepped in. In doing SO I
thrust some one back yard or so, and
found that it was the girl, who was try
Ing to bar me out. Ashamed of the Vi
olence I had shown began to apol-
ogize, whilst she stood before me
rubbing her elbow, and her face
flushed and red. The room was
bare and drear beyond description.
There were couple of rough tables, 8
chair or so, an iron pot simmering owe,
a fire ofgreen wood, whose pungent odo,
Filled the chamber. In corner man
lay apparently asleep, tattered cloak
drawn over his features, SO as to entire
ly conceal them. felt in a moment
that this was the stranger who had fec
Oh our approach and that he was play
ing fox. Guessing there was more be.
hind this than appeared, but not show.
ing my suspicious in the least, l ad.
dressed the girl:
II am truly sorry and hope you are
not hurt; had l known it was you ]
should have been gentler. l have but
come to ask if can get some wine fol
ourselves and food for the horses"
ut is nothing" she stammered, 81 an
not hurt. There is but u little sour
here, and for the horses-the grass that
grows outside"
There is some wine there at any
rate" and l rested my eye on horn
cup, down whose side red drop was
trickling, and then let it fall on the still
| figure in the corner of the room
There is no fear" continued, you
will be paid. l do not look like gen
tleman of the road, trust"
She shrank back at my words, and il
appeared as if a hand moved suddenly
under the cloak of the man, who lay
feigning sleep in the room, and the
quick movement was as if he had
clutched the haft of a dagger. was
never brawler or blusterer, and Least
of all did | wish to worry these poor
people, but the times were such that a
mans safety lay chiefly in himself, fol-
the writ of the king ran weak in the out.
lying districts. The whole business
too, was so strange, that 1 was de.
termined to fathom it, and unbuckline
my sword, placed it on a table so as tc
be ready on the instant, and then, seat
ing myself on a stool beside it, said
somewhat sharply:
Enough, my girl; get me some wine
and take out some to my servant. This
will pay for it," and rang fat crown
piece on the table. Hurry your father
if you can, and will be gone the mo
ment my horse is shod."
My tone WAS one not to be denied
and taking up the money, she turned tc
a cupboard, and with shaking fingers
drew bottle therefrom and placed il
before me. Filling cup asked her t.
bear it back to Jacques, and then lean
ing back against the wall, took a pull
at my goblet. and judge of my surprise
when found WAS tasting nothing
short of dArbois Of the '92 vintage!
1t was getting dark now within the
room, over which the flames of the fire
occasionally blazed up and cast fitfu
and uncertain light. Outside, however
there was a moon, and in Il few min.
utes at the most my horse would be
| shod, and | would have to continue my
journey, without having discovered what
this little mystery meant. l could moi
help being little amused at the man.
ner in which my bashful friend, whose
face was so well covered up, kept him
self prisoner in his corner, but at this
moment the girls cooking was finished
and the savory odor of it was appar.
emily more than he could endure, for he
suddenly sprang to his feet, exclaiming
"Num du diable! | am sick of this
and hungry as wolf. Give me my sup
per, Marie-and if he wants to take me
let him do so if he can-he will have