Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-20
md. who stood ready to receive biz

In his Impotence to return to the
inn. D'Orbec had rapidly ridden up
the hill, while Matthew and Lao had
followed at a slower pace. These two
had just arrived In time, for Gaspard
had skunk behind the Vieomte. and
Was about to stab him, when Matthew
caught the fellows arm, and sent
him Keeling across the floor.
Nom de Diable!' cried Lao. I've
will have fair play. Fight like a
man, old acquaintance"
But Gaspard backed away from the
swofdsmen. Lavals snake-like eyes
almost closed with hatred of his OPP
ponent. His height and length OF
arm gave him some advantage. At
ter few passes, ROLAND received a
slight wound In the shoulder, and
was driven back by the force and rap
idity Of Laval's attack. His wound
helped ROLAND; he grew cooler; he
saw that in this lay his advantage;
he must be wary, and act only on
the defensive, while his adversary
played out the fiery ardour with
which he had begun the fight.
Suddenly Laval retreated. and
stood still a moment, and then lunged
forward in the hope of taking his OPP
ponent unawares. But ROLAND was
ready for him. Instead of parrying
the stroke, he swerved aside, avoided
it, and before his opponent could re-
cover himself he plunged his dagger
into Laval's shoulder.
The Count staggered and fell to the
ground
ROLAND was aghast; it seemed to
him that his dagger had glanced aside
from the armour worn under Lavafs
buff coat The Vicomte had not
meant to kill his adversary; in his
indignation at Laval's treachery, he
had determined 20 wound him, so as
t. arrest his evil designs in regard
to Jeanne, as well as TO punish the
SANDER he had uttered about her.
Laval lay motionless, his eyes were
closed; and D'Orbec bent over him,
intently listening to catch a breath.
Then he turned his head towards
Gaspard, who stood seemingly stu
pefied by the result of the duel.
Come here, fellow, and quickly"
D'Orbec cried. Loosen your masters
doublet; and you, Lao, stand back to
give him air."
At the moment when D'Orbec turned
his head, Laval rose to one knee, and
struck fiercely with his dagger at the
back of his adversary.
Lao stood so near that his strong arm
caught the Vicomte as he staggered
under the force of the blow. Lao
placed him gently on the floor, and then
tried to staunch the blood that was now
flowing from the wound. Matthew drew
his sword and rushed at Laval, who
had risen 70 his feet.
"A mi, Gaspard, mol" the Count
cried; but Matthew was too quick for
him.
Take your wages, foul assassin
the man shouted. and drove his sword
with such force through Lavars body
that 1t came out at the back.
The Count and reeled and fell back
wards on the floor. Gaspard ran up
and knelt beside him. He satisfied him
self that life was extinct, he then rose
up, his face distorted with fury.
Breton pig! thou hast killed him"
he cried to Matthew, tits we'll for thee
that | and my mates have work in
hand that will not wait Thou shalt
hang as high as Hannah, and thy mas
ter too, # there is life in him to hang"
ile Huii out vi Tie inn, as the
women came rushing In from the fur
them room.
Released from her confinement,
Jeanne had flung herself into her IaIt1-
full woman's arms, and thea broke
down in a hearty fit Of crying.
Gillonne had petted and soothed the
girl as though she were her mother.
and Jeanne was recovering herself
when angry voices and then the clash
of swords in the eating-room alarmed
the three women. These sounds were
heard, too, upstairs; Anne and Math-
urine came flying down with shrieks
of terror.
BE siNnt, fools" Gillonne said
sternly; there is enough distur bance
without the help of your ca2kling
Peace, l say! You, Mathurine, fetch
cup of water from the well; and you,
Anne, open the lattice-the dear lady
lacks cir"
She had kept her arm around Jeanne
while she spoke, for the girls white,
distraught face made Gillonne fear she
would faint.
Suddenly Jeanne rose, and made for
the door; she heard the clash of steel,
and she knew that ROLAND and Laval
were fighting. She determined to part
them, at whatever risk to herself.
But Gillonne stayed her with i'm
ploring words and gestures, while the
more practical hostess placed herself
in the narrow doorway, thus making
it impossible for Jeanne to pass her.
by your leave no, lady" she said
with a dignity that enforced obedience
Not under my roof shall women thrust
themselves into the Quarrels of men
Besides, it does no good; madame'a
| presence would but prove a hindrance
and would, maybe, endanger Monsieur
DOrbecs' life"
Jeanne looked at her, and then stood
passive, while the incessant clash OF
steel seemed, from its rapidity, likely
| to be soon ended.
A cry from Lao; then Matthews loud
| execratiOn.
Jeanne clasped her hands in agony
| A moment later came the dull sound
| Of a fall, followed by Gaspard's curses
The girl broke away from Gillonne':
| hold. and forced herself past the hos.
| tess: she reached the eating-room. an6
| saw but one thing-Rolland's CHASTITY
| face and closed eyes as he lay stretched
on the ground, where Lao had placed