Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-15

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edt hu1l 06d11s ~ lit HIT xlle1 could
dia, 4 ned were, y $40 the Duke from
capture.
aWhat do you say, D. Pomperanta
Shall we stay or go?" Instinctively
his hand sought his sword hilt.
Jeanne fell ON her knees before him
my lord. my lord, there Is etill way
by which you may battle the Count
and his schemes. Go to the camp at
Lyons, and give the lie to these foul
calumnies that villains have spread
abroad"
The Duke started, but he bent for
ward and raised her.
TOO late, too late, my child; yet
thank you for your loved zeal. The
King and are two; were l now to
present myself before my Royal cous-
in, Foy de Price! he would hand me
over to the provost marshal, or at least
consigu me to Loches. No, will take
my own way, and strike blow TOT
liberty, and, maybe, help to free the
King from-from bad advisers who
obscure his better judgment
He turned to his friend, who mad
become very impatient.
""Tis urgent that we get into safer
hiding" De Pomperant said; I'VE cam
not take our horses, my lord; the way
is too exposed"
Madame" the Duke said to Jeanne,
your courage is admirable; but for
your timely warning we should have
slept here, and we should have been
trapped, without any means OF escape.
Farewell, Jeanne; l may not always be
an exiled fugitive, and then ask OF me
what you will
He raised her hand to his lips, and
De Pomperant opened the door for her
exit.
Bourbon walked up and down the
small chamber in moody silence. This
need for hurried flight chafed his proud
spirit. He looked hard at his compan-
ion to see sign Of yielding on his face,
and If he had seen 1t the Constable
might even then have given in and
stayed where he was; but De Pomper-
ant was buckling on his sword and
looking to the printing OF the pistols
that lay on the table.
Even as Charles de Bourbon gave
that yearning look at his friend, there
rose before his mental sight the fair.
voluptuous faHe of Louise dAng0u-
leme, and with her came the memory
Of her repeated efforts to blight lis
happiness. She had thwarted his
early passion for her daughter, the
noble Princess Marguerite, and now
she had unblushingly asked him in
marriage, in order that she might have
, a just title to his fair provinces.
Accused harlot!" he muttered; 81
will not be taken alive to satisfy your
hatred"
Meanwhile Jeanne stood on the stair
case, holding by the cord strained
against the wall She felt dizzy with
excitement. Was it trus that she had
actually been in the presence of the
greatest captain of his time? And he
had kissed her and acknowledged the
klnship between them! He had even
thanked her fer her warming!
She stood throbbing all over, and
then she began to wonder how the fu-
gitives would make their escape; she
was bound to do all she could to help
! them. She went swiftly down the I'M
even staircase to seek the hostess and
to warn her Of their departure. She
turned for this purpose to the kitchen,
but from the other side of the dark
passage at the foot of the stairs she
heard voices in loud dispute AS she
listened she felt turned to stone; in
one OF the voices she recognized Gas
Dard'E!
"Hold your peace, beldame. I tell
you we will search the house. You
cannot hinder us Wait till the Count
Joins me; he will not be long in COM
ing; he will teach you the power of the
Kings authority"
Jeanne leant against the kitchen
door-post, pale and trembling She
could not feel sure that the fugitives
had yet quilted the house, though in
one corner of the Dukes room her
quick eyes had seen a rope-ladder.
She opened the eating-room door
and walked boldly in.
Gaspard sat at the table, cycling Mad
anne Tarbes with scowling defiance.
He started as Jeanne came in; his
jaw fell, he rose and made a respectful
salute.
She went up to him, smiling as she
seated herself on another bench. not
far from the one the ruff1an occupied
Good evening" she said; you have
l trust, brought me news; have you
not a message from your leader? Stay
Madame Tarbes; where go you Sc
fast "
Then, as the terrified woman, heed
less of her question, passed out at the
door, and Gaspard rose to follow her,
Jeanne nodded pleasantly at him.
'Sit you down, honest Gaspard; l
will follow the hostess, and bid her
fetch my women. She shall then
bring you flask of wine, and you shall
deliver your masters message"
Gaspard had been drinking in the
village, but Jeanne spoke so simply,
and in so childlike a manner that it
might have deceived him even if he
had not dulled his wits with liquor.
He grinned, and told himself as she
hurried from the room that the lady
had gone to order wine
"Pardieu! she Is a beauty and she
knows how man should be treated !;
| trust she will order good liquor. Her
women forsooth. Anne is willing 20
come at my whistle she needs no per-
suasion The wench is ripe ana ready;
she will give me the chance wdrt, and
then few kisses will purchase her
tidings," he added With a fatuous
smile. Mile diables. the mistress is
almost as tempting as the aid. My