Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-11-22
CHAPTER Xxx.
tcer,,oH1. 1897. ~ Loso.Au., c...n . G

AT THE SIGN OF THE ToISoN DOR"
Turning we beheld de Vitry at the
open door, the small and narrow figure
of Pantin at his elbow, and close behind
the stern features of the grand master,
the anxiety on whose face cleared as he
saw the king before him. He was about
to speak, but Henry burst in rapidly
II know all, duke. 1t is time to act,
not talk, Arnidieul But shall long re-
member this frolicl"
ut would seem that God has given us
a great delivernnce, sire. All is ready"
Come" said the king, 1--WE have no
time to lose, and if we delay longer that
hothead de Belin will strike the first
blow"
with your majesty's permission
will make an assault on the rear" |
said. ION the rear!" exclaimed de Vitry,
whilst the grand master said, ut is inn
possible!"
But only pointed to the window,
and Henry laughed.
"Ventrebleu! underestimate great
idea! But, monsieur, take care how you
give away secret. shall have no
peace if monseigneur the great master
hears what has happened"
was young enough still to feel my
face grow hot at the approval in the
kings voice, and then without another
word they passed out, tramp, tramp,
down the stairs, all except Sully. who
stayed behind for moment.
"Monsieurl" he asked, what has
happened between you and the king 2"
His majesty has pardoned me-"
"a child might see that. What else?
Be quick"
sand has given me orders to meet you
as you enter the Toison dor"
The frown on his face cleared. "Well
answered. chevalier. The king sec has
won o faithful and discreet friend.
Make your attack when you hear the
petard." Then he, too, turned his broad
shoulders on me and followed the rest.
AS the sound of the heavy footballs
ceased l gave last look at my pistols,
drew in my sword-belt by hole, and,
all booted as was, essayed the ladder
again.
had already observed that the sky
light was but light wooden frame
work, with glazing between, and
would need no great effort to break
down-one strong push and the way
was clear before me. So stayed for
minute of breathless silence, then far
below came a sharp, shrill whistle, hur-
ried EXPLANATIONS from the plotters,
and now the explosion of the petard,
that made the house rock to and fro
like a tree in the wind.
had no need to force open the sky
light. The effect of the explosion did
that most effectually for me, and blew
outthe lamps in the room below as well,
reducing 1t on sudden to absolute
darkness. There was yell of terror
from the room, and without mo.
ment's hesitation swung through the
window and dropped down among tbs
ccnspirators. They were to a man
crowding TO the door, and not one took
any note of my entrance, so great was
their confusion. l followed the rush of
hurrying fguresas they passed through
the door into passage in dim light
from a fire that burned in small
crate. One end of this passage was full
Of smoke, against which the bright
flashes of drawn swords were as darts
of lightning. Beyond the smoke, and
below, we could hear the clash of steel,
cries of pain and savage oaths. where
men were fighting and dying hard. AS
dashed down the passage, sword In
hand, my only thought to reach the
prisoners room, one of the retreating
figures turned and called out: "Quick,
monsieur-follow me-the secret
stairl"
1t was Lain. In the confusion and
semi gloom he had mistaken me for his
chief. ] made no answer, but as l
rushed forward struck him on the face
with the hilt of my sword, and he rolled
over like log.
There was, right in amongst the
scared pqotters, cheek by jowl with
M. de Savoy's envoy, and I could have
dropped him then and there, but that
my whole heart was in madame's room,
and | knew that there were others who
could and would deal with him.
AS I elbowed my way through the
press, vainly endeavoring to find the
way to my dear's prison, we reached a
landing from which a long stair led
straight up, and here heard the mar
shal's voice, cracked with rage and
fear:
"Lafnl De Gomeron! To me-herel
here!"
ladies first marshall must look to
my BRIDE"
Then through the smoke I saw de
Gomeron's tall figure mounting the
stair, and rushed forward to follow
him.
1t was at this juncture thata portion
of our own party forced their way to
the landing, and one Of them, whose
sword was broken, flung himself upon
me. dagger in hand, shouting: death
to traitors!" had just time to seize
his wrist He tripped sideways over
something that lay very quiet at our
feet, and, dragging me down. we rolled
over and over with the clash of blades
over us. ut is I-fool-I, d'Auriac-let
go!" shouted, as he tried to stab at me.
Let go. you'll" sputtered d'Aubuse
sons voice, and we loosed each other.
had no time for another word, and,
grasping my sword, which was hang
ing to my wrist by the knot, 1 sprang
up, and the next moment was hot foot
after de Gomeron.
managed somehow to force my way
through the crowd, but the stairway