The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-11-12


"Tenez. Let but the king agree to de
Gomeron's suit--and he is hard pressed,
tell you, for SulIy even is on Biron's
side In this matter. and after that"
"What?'
sHenry's mind will have turned an
other way. There are many who would |
like to play queen. and few like Mes
danes de Guerchville and Bidache."
"But in any case. Belin. ] lose the
game"
.You have become very clever In your
retreat, my friend. You win your game
IL de Gomeron Is accepted and then"
"And then, my wise adviser?"
"She need not marry the Camargue.
You can run him through under the
lines In the Tuileries-wed madame.
and grow cabbages Mt Auriac ever after.
Pouf! The matter In simple!"
Miserable as was I fairly laughed
out at Belin's plot. Nevertheless. the
hopefulness of the man, his CHEEKY tone
and happy spirit had their effect upon
me. and IL II turned out that the king
was wavering there was more than n
straw of hope floating down stream TO
me. My courage grew also when i put
| together Sully's words with Belins
news that Biron was detained by the
side of the king. II surely meant that
this was done TO prevent the marshal
doing mischief elsewhere. II so, was
nevertheless on the horns OF dilemma,
for by telling OF the plot would, IL my
story were believed, make matters hope
less, and advance d'Ayen's cause to the
misery OF the woman loved.
| On the other hand, by keeping silent
| I was in an equally hard case. My
pledge to Sully prevented me from TAX
ing Belin fully into my confidence, and
hardly knowing what / was doing, /
poured myself out another full goblet
of the chambertin, and drained II at a
draft.
excellent" ~ said Belin, "there is moth
ing like Burgundy 10 steady the mind;
In another moment you will be yourself
again and think as / do in this matter.
Courage, man! Pick your heart up. A
fortnight Is a devil Of long time,
and"
M. lie Baron d'Ayen," and Vsllon
threw open the door, and atits entrance
stood the cold-blooded instrument OF
the king.
"My dear De Belin," he said, bowling
low, 81 trust my visit is not inoppor'
tune? I had no idea you were en-
gagged"
"Never more welcome. baron. think
monsieur lie chevalier is known TO you
sit down and help yourself 10 the
| cbor,harttr
J D'Ayen bowed slightly TO me; but
took no notice and rose TO depart.
81 will say good day. Belin, and many
! thanks for what you have done"
. "Do not retire on my account, mon
sieur lie chevalier." said d'Ayen, in hi
|, mocking voice. "I come TO give new
: TO my friend here, which will doubles
interest you. The fact is his majest.
insists on my marriage taking place n
a soon as possible, and has given instruc
0 tions for the chapel In the Louvre Z
! be prepared for the ceremony. You still
hold good TO your promise OF being on
{ Of my sponsors, de Belin?"
"If the wedding comes Officer
! tainly."
! "Ha! hal II Il comes off! I woul
$ ask you, too, monsieur" and he turne'
9 to me, "but know you have pressin
business elsewhere"
a whatever my business may be, NOR
sieur, there Is one thing ! must a
a tend to first, and must request tn
: pleasure Of your company 10 discuss II.
n "Ahl" he said. stroldng the marabou
j. feathers in his hat, "that difference {
Q opinion we had about the woods OF ID
u dache--eh? see from your face tits 81
e I had almost forgotten it,"
J. "Monsieur's memory is convenient
e lie bowed with grin. IL am old; bi
- shall take care not to forget this time
Ie "Come, gentlemen" and Belin int
posed, "the day is too young TO begin
n quarrel, and II this must come to
10 meeting allow your seconds to arranl
10 the time and place. One momen
h baron" and taking me by the arm
u led me 10 the door.
IS "Malheureux!" he whispered, "wi
{. you upset the kettlei See me to-mo
IN row. and adieui" He pressed my han
70 and went out preceded by WALTON, wi
le must have caught Belin's words, b
o. whose face was as impassive as stone.