Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-10-07

~ ottSo va SoNGl VI lUe trees,
leaving NJ. de Gomeron. who had doubt
less recovered by this time, and his
men to make a target of the darkness.
/ had come through somehow, but was
sick and sore at heart as urged Cour-
onne from trot to gallop, when
thought of poor Nicholas lying dead by
the banks of the Eure.
CHAPTER VIII.
M. DE PREAULx.
I kept off the road as far as possible
to avoid being tracked. Even if 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. l 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
I felt confident of being able, with
Jacques aid, to give good account of
myself did we meet, despite my bruised
leg, which reminded me of itself I'M
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. 1t 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 trife, 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. 1t was certain that she had
been foully murdered. 1t was certain
that the kings most trusted captain
and many of his greatest mobiles We're
hilt deep in treachery-so much knew.
HAD seen with mine own eyes, and heard
with mine own ears, but beyond this
l had no proofs; and what would my
word weigh against theirs! Besides
this, there was my own trouble.
D'Ayen's mocking 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 I to do? 1t 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 i knew, and beg the help of that
great man. did not know him, ex-
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 league lay for refec-
ton between me and the Louvre.
AT last heard the Lauds chime SOL
emily out into the night, and in few
minutes pulled up the weary beasts be-
fore the gates of Rouvres. Here found
difficulty l might have anticipated.
The gates We're shut and the unpleasant
prospect OF dreary wait of some hours
lay before me. This was not to be
borne, and / raised clamor that
might have awakened the dead. 1t
had the desired effect of rousing the
watch at the gate, wicket was opened,
the light of lantern flashed through,
and gruff voice babe me begone.
"open," 1 roared, open in the kings
name"
"Pardieu! 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 tone and infection
guessed it was that of an officer.
I'm that case, monsieur" said, 'let
me in SO that we may both go to our
beds, and thousand apologies for dis
turbing you. My servant is already at
the Grand Cert, and one man cannot
take Rouvres."
Then you are that NJ. de Preaulx of
the Anjoumois, whose laclley jacques
Bison arrived last night-for it is
morning now?"
"You keep good watch, monsieur, who
else should | be?" said with an in
ward 'thanlS heaven" at the accident
that had discovered to me my new
name.
There was no reply for moment,
though heard some one laughing, and
the rays of the light were cast to the
right and to the left of me to see that
l was really alone. Finally orders were
given for my admission. The gates
went open with creaking, and l was
within Rouvres,
As rode In I stopped to thank the
officer for his courtesy, and the light
being very clear he observed my con-
dition, and exclaimed: "Diable! But
you have ridden far, monsieur, and with
u led horse, tool"
~ ride in the kings name, monsieur"
replied, little coldly, and, thanking
him once more, was seized with an in
spiration, and begged the favor of his
company at dinner at the Grand Cert.
with pleasure. monsieur. Permit
me to introduce myself. l am the
Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of NJ.
de Sancy's company of ordonnance,"
l raised my hat in response. Ills
majesty has no drawer sword than NJ.
de Sancy. At 12, then, monsieur,
shall have the pleasure of meeting you
again; good night, or rather good morn
ing!"