Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-11-04
In darkness once more

Dark it may have been; but, thank
God! was no longer like trussed
fowl and betoo!l myself to rubbing my
numhed limbs, until finally the chilled
blood was warmed ard l was able to
stand, and then, in little gained
strength to grope my way backward
and forward in the cell as an exercise.
No thought of ever agreeing to de Com
eron's terms ever crossed me. I had,
however, resolved to make dash for
freedom when he came to me again. I
should pretend to agree, and then win or
lose all in the rush. Anyway | would
not die here like a rat in a trap. al
most chuckled to myself as thought
was in fair way to outwit the free
lance. He was fool, after all, though,
at the same time, | could not but admit
that his move to get me to admit his in
nocence was a skilful one; still, it was
Il plot which might overreach itself. My
captors had eased me of my belt, which
was so we'll stuffed with pistoles. They
had not, however, had time or oppor-
tunity to search me further and had left
my clasp knife, which lay in my pocket,
as have said, together with dozen or
SO of gold pieces had kept there to be
at hand. I pulled out the knife, and,
opening it, ran my fingers along the
blade. 1t was three inches or SO in
length, but sharp as razor; and with
it one might infiict an ugly wound in
struggle. l mapped out my plan
mentally. When de Gomeron came
again l should fell him as he en-
tered, arm myself, if possible, by snatch
ing his sword, and then cut my way out
or be cut down. had no doubt that l
might be able to effect the first part of
the programme. In those days Twas as
strong as a bull, and there were few
men, especially if they We're unpre-
pared, who could have stood blow
from me. 1t was in act two that I might
come to grief At any rate it should be
final and quick ending to the bust
ness, not the long drawn-out agony
would otherwise have to endure. Now
that think of it. it was poor enough
plan, and it was lucky that, under
providence, another way was shown to
me. Such as it was, however, it was
the only thing that occurred to me at
that time, and it would not be for want
of effort on my part that itwould fail.
The more 1 thought over it then the
more I was convinced that it was my
sole chance. and grew impatient for
the moment when I should put my
design into execution. Twenty-four
hours was long to wait, and raved at
myself for having fixed such time
Morbleu! I might have had the sense
to make it five, or three, or two hours!
I little guessed as | paced the cell inn
patiently how many hours had passed
since de Gomeron left me, and that it
was impossible to measure time in that
loathsome dungeon. As sat broodng,
the profound silence was once more
suddenly disturbed by the sudden lar
ring of bolt. IL was not, however, the
door of my cell that was opened, but a
little wicket about a foot square, and
through this there dashed again a
binding light, and the face of Babette
peered in. So lnalign was its aspect
that shuddered in spite of myself, and
then, in n fury l could not control,
shouted out:
Out of my presence, bag! Begone!'
"Oh, ho!" she laughed, "a time will
come when monsieur will go on his two
knees and pray to Babette-to good Ba-
bette-to kind Babette-in a day or so
it will be thus''-and she laughed
shrilly. But go as you wish, to carry
your refusal to the captain
She made movement as if to go; but
cursing myself at very nearly having
spoilt it all. burst out: "Stay"-and