Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-10-11

cause the place was strange one.
was too old a campaigner to lose rest
because the same feather pillow was
not under my head every night; but
because my thoughts kept me awake
What these were I have already de.
scribed, and they were in force suff1.
cient to Danish all sleep until the small
hours were well on, and I at last
dropped off, with the solemn notes Of
the Bourbon ringing in my ears.
1t was about ten o'clock the next
morning that mounted Couronne, and
followed by Jacques. well armed, took
my way toward the hotel de Bethune.
sully had just received the master
generalship of the ordnance, and at his
door was guard Of the regiment of La
Ferte. 1 knew the blue uniforms wit
the white sushes well, and they had
fought like fiends at Fontaine, Fran
caise and Ham. The officer on guard
very civilly told me that the minister
did not receive that day, but on my in
sisting and pointing out that my bust
ness was of the utmost Importance, he
gave way with shrug of his shoulders.
go on, M. lie Chevalier, but 1 can tell
you 1t is of no use; however, that is a
business you must settle with Ivoy, the
dukes secretary"
I thanked him and, dismounting and
flinging the reins to jacques, passed
up the courtyard and up the stone
steps to the entrance door. Here was
met by the same statement that Sully
was unable to receive to-day, but, on my
insisting, the secretary Ivoy appeared
and asked me my name and business.
II have given my name twice already,
monsieur" I answered. 1T am the
Chevalier d'Auriac, and as for my
business it is of vital import, and is
for monseigneur's ear alone-you will
therefore excuse me If I decline to men.
tion 1t 10 you"
Ivoy bowed. eft will come to me in
its own good time, monsieur. Will you
be seated. I will deliver your message
to the duke, but I am afraid it will be
of little use.'
~ take the risk, NJ. d'Ivoy."
"But not the rating, chevalier," and
the secretary with half smile on his
face, went out and left me to myself.
In few minutes he returned.
"The duke will see you, monsieur
this way please"
"Pardieu!" muttered to myself as
1 followed Ivoy, 'he keeps as much
state as if he were the chancellor him
self. However, have q relish for mon
seigneur's soup"
1voy led the way up winding stair
case of oak, so old that it was black as
ebony and polished as glass. At the end
of this was landing, where a couple OF
lackeys were longing on a bench be,
fore a closed door. They sprang up at
our approach, and Ivoy tapped gently at
the door.
"Come In" was the answer, given in
II cold voice, and the next moment we
were in the room.
IN. lie Chevalier d'Auriac," and Ivoy
had presented me.
Sully inclined his head frigrdly to my
bow, and then metioned to Ivoy to re-
tire. When we were alone he turned to
me with brief "Well?"
81 have information of the utmost
Importance which wish to lay before
you"
II hear that ten times day from PEG.
pie. Will your story take long to tell? p
'That depends"
"Then for your important news, mon
sieur. 1t must be very important to
have brought you here"
II do not understand"
He looked at me, keen inquiry in his
glance. 'You do not understand? he
said.
Indeed no, monseigneur."
'Huml you are either deeper than ]
take you to be or born fool. Look you
are you not Alban de Breuil, Sieur
d'Auriac, who was lately in arms in the
service of Spain against France as q
rebel and traitor?''
II was on the side of the League"
Monsieur, the League died at Ivry."
"But not for us"
He made an impatient gesture. 1--WE
won't discuss that. Are you not the
man | refer to-say yes or no"
II am d'Auriac-there is no other OF
my name; but no more a rebel OF
traitor than Messieurs de Guise, de MAY.
cnne and others. The kings peace has
pardoned us all. Why should fear tc
come to you? 1 have come to do you q
service, or rather the king service"
THANK you. May I ask if you did not
receive warning at La Fere and an
other at Bidache?"
from NJ. d'Ayen-yes, monseigneur
refuse to believe what l heard"
"And yet your name heads a list OF
half dozen whom the kings peace
does not touch. One of my reasons for
receiving you was to have you arrest
ed"
t'It is high honor, all this bother
about poor gentleman of Normandy
when Guise, de Mayenne. Epernon ant
others keep their skins whole"
You have flown your hawk at too
high a quarry, monsieur"
Then that painted ape. d'Ayen, told
a true tale" burst out, in uncontrol
able anger. "Monseigncur, do what yor
will to me. Remember that you help t.
the eternal dishonor of the king"
The words hit him, and the blood
flushed darkly under the pale olive o
the mans cheek.
Monsieur, you forget yourself"
"It is not l, but you who do so. 70,
who forget that your name is Bethune
Yes, touch that bell. make no resist
ance. I presume it will be the chate
let"
His hand, half stretched toward thu
button of the call bell before him sud