Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-12-22

IltnUlDks
1 felt my leg at each step took; bul
went on at a round pace somehow and
came up to Couronne just as she waf
stepping out OF the water. Catching
her by the bride / mounted, although
with some difficulty, and slipping my
hand through The reins of my own nag
trotted of under cover of the trees
leaving NJ. de Gomcron, who had doubt
less recovered by this time. and his
men TO make turget of the darkness
had come through somehow, but was
,ick and sore at heart as urged Cour
,nne from a trot TO gallop, when
thought OF poor Nichoiss lying dead 81
the 3ankn of be Enre-
CHAPTER VIII.
NJ DE PREAULx
/ kept off the road as far as possible
to avoid being tracked. Even il no
further attempt to follow me was made
tonight, which was uncertain, as de
Gomeron was not the man to let the
! barest chance slip through his fingers,
yet there was no doubt as TO what would
happen on the morrow. congratu-
lated myself on having crippled the last
of the sleuth hounds, as my gentlemen
would be placed thereby in difficulty
in regard to my route, and If they
secured the country in twos and threes
| felt confident of being able, with
jacques aid. to give a good account OF
myself did we meet. despite my bruised
leg, which reminded me of itself un-
pleasantly.
AS patted Couronne's neck thought
of Nicholas. and with the memory of
him the face of Marie came up. | felt
myself in measure responsible for his
death. and was resolved to weigh out in
full to Marie the payment had prom
ised them both fl was debt | would
. discharge to the end of the measure.
A sense of relief came to my mind
with this resolve. and, as Rouvres could
not be far distant slackened pace TO
let the horses breathe a trihe, and be.
gan to hastily plan my future course OF
action on reaching Paris. had not
only discovered what was evidently
deep and widely spread plot. but had
also stumbled on the dreadful secret OF
the death of the woman who was to be
queen of France in name, as she was in
reality. II was certain that she had
been foully murdered. II was certain
that the kings most trusted captain
and many of his greatest mobiles we're
hilt deep in treachery-so much knew.
Iho raar ,..;t !, ~, ,,x.~,, avoS md hoo M
with mine own ears, but beyond this
had no proofs; and what would my
word weigh against theirsl Besides
this, there WIS my own trouble.
D'Ayen's moeking warning was explicit
enough. when read with Palms con-
fidence. and any doubt ] may have had
on that point was almost set at rest by
what | had overheard. In short, was
the rival of the king, and felt my head
very loose upon my neck.
What was | to do? II was no easy
matter to decide: but came to the con
clusion that my best course was to
seek out the all-powerful Sully, tell him
what | knew, and beg the help of that
great man. did not know him. eN-
cept by repute; but my case'was strong
and my cause good. would delay not
moment about this on reaching Paris;
but it was Rouvres had to come to
first. and many a league lay for reflec
ton between me and the Louvre.
At last heard the Lauds chime sol
EMMY out into the night, and in few
minutes pulled up the weary beasts be.
fore the gates Of Rouvres. Here found
a difficulty | might have anticipated.
The gates were shut and the unpleasant
prospect OF dreary wait of some hours
lay before me. This was not TO be
borne. and | raised a clamor that
might have awakened the dead. II
had the desired effect of rousing the |
watch at the gate, a wicket was opened. |
the light of a lantern flashed through. |
and gruff voice babe me begone.
Open" roared, open in the kings |
name"
"Pardieul monsieur, the gates are
kept shut in the kings name, and his
majesty does not like his subjects rest
being disturbed" answered another |
voice. and from its toue and infection
guessed it was that of an officer.
"In that case, monsieur" said, "lei
me in so that we may both go to our
beds. and thousand apologies for dis
iusb;ng you. My servant is already al
the Grand CERT. and one man cannot
take Rouvres."
Then you are that NJ. de Preaulx OF
he Anjoumois, whose lackey Jacques
Bisson arrived last night-for it is
now?"
''You keep good watch, monsieur, who
Else should [ be?" | said with an in
ward "thank heaven at the accident
hat had discovered to me my new
iame.
There was no reply for moment.
hough heard some one laughing, and
he rays of the light were cast to the
light and to the left of me to see that
was really alone. Finally orders were
yiven for my admission. The gates
vent open with crcaking, and was
within Ronvres.
AS | rode in 1 stunned to thank the |