Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-10-04

ble," and be began to pace up and
down, whilst the other three remained
in whispered converse. their eyes now
and again turning to Biron, who walked
the room like Gagged beast. Nicholas
had risen slowly to his feet despite my
orders, and was looking over my shout
ders with q white face and blazing eyes.
! dared not tell him to go back; but
with warning look at him strained my
could hear nothing until at length Ia
met raised his voice: "Have done with
it. marshal, and sign. After ALL Mime.
de Beaufort was no more than a -"
and he used foul word. 'sThe king is
PROSTATE now; but in week Gabrielle
will be forgotten, and then anything
might happen. He already writes
verses on her." he went on with grin.
"Charmante abrielle-diavolo! but
you should have seen her as she lay
dead-she was green as jade cup"
"Be still, dog" and Biron turned
fiercely on him. The italian stepped
back, his hand on his dagger; but in a
moment he recovered himself. His
black eyebrows lifted, and his upper lip
drew back over his teeth in a sheer.
Il did not know monseigneur would
be so affected; but time presses and we
need the name of Biron to that scroll.
Hand the marshal the pen, Lafn.'
ut Is here" and de Gomeron. dipping
his hand.
Biron made a half step forward to
take it when a thing happened. felt
myself suddenly thrust aside, there was
binding flash, loud report, and a
shout from Nicholas: Missed, by
God!"
There was absolutely no time to do
anything but make for the horses.
Nicholas had fired at de Gomeron in his
mad thirst for revenge, and had prac-
tically given our lives away. In the
uproar and din that followed we slid
down the sash like apes, and dashed
toward the horses. Some one shouted
Traitor-traitor!" and let fly at us
twice as we ran across the open space.
From the courtyard we could hear the
hurry and hustle of men suddenly
aroused, and as we reached the oak we
heard the bay Of the bloodhounds and
the thunder of hoofs in pursuit.
be thrown away. Remember, mon
seigneur, an open hand makes faithful
hearts," said Latin.
"But the king would never consent"
began Biron.
Give me your word to help me, mon
seigneur, will do the rest for myself"
Give it, my lord
then suddenly threw UP his hand.
Every well-let it be as you wish. /
promise, NJ. de Gomeron."
Enough, my lord-I thank you.
Chevalier Lain has laid before you in
detail all our resources. Let me now
show you this" He unrolled parch-
ment that was before him, and handed
it to the marshal. Here" he added,
"are the signatures of all. 1t only needs
that of Biron-now sign"
I could hear the beating of my heart
in the silence that followed, and then
| Biron said, hoarsely mo! No! Twill
never put my name to paper
"Morbleu! MARSHAL" burst out Latin.
"This is no time for nibbling at cher
ry. Tremouiile aud Epernon have
signed. Put Your seal to the scroll, and
the day it reaches NJ. de Savoye, 10000
troops are across the frontier, and you
will change the cabbage gardens of
Biron for the coronet of Burgundy and
la Bresse."
Sand see your head on crown piece,
marshall" added de Gomeron.
"But we have not heard, Latin" be-
gan the marshal
| "We will hear tonight, monseigneur
that horn meant news, and Zamet
never fails. Curse the low-bred Italian! !
Pardieu! he is here" and as he smoke l
(To be continued)