The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1898-12-20


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. I did not know him, ex-
cept by repute; but my case was strong
and my cause good. Iwould delay not
moment about this on reaching Paris;
but it was Rouvres 1 had to come to
first, and many a league lay for refec-
ton between me and the Louvre.
At last 1 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 1 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
i borne, and 1 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
l guessed it was that of an officer.
I'm that case, monsieur" l said, "let
me in so that we may both go to our
beds, and a 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 lackey Jacques
Bison arrived last night-for it is
morning now"
You keep good watch, monsieur, who
else should L be?" 1 said with an in
ward thank 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 a creaking, and I was
within Rouvres.
AS l rode in 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
a led horse, tool"
Il ride in the kings name, monsieur
l replied, a 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. 1 am the
Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of NJ
de Sancy's company of ordonnance."
raised my hat in response. ''His
majesty has no drawer sword than NJ
de Sancy. At -, then, monsieur,
shall have the pleasure of meeting you
again; good night, or rather good morn.
ing!"
''Adieu!" he answered; 81 will be
punctual. The Grand Cert is but q
couple of hundred tOises to your right
AS 1 rode up the narrow and ill-paved
street 1 heard d'Aubusson whistling q
catch as he turned into the guardrOom
and congratulated myself on my strata
gem and the luck that had befriendeC
it. knew enough of court intrigue tc
be aware that De Sancy and the mar
shall were at each others threats, anC
that l could therefore always get pro
lection here by declaring myself against
Biron. Then came a short turn to the
right, and NJ. de PreaulX, of the Anjou
mois, was at the door of the GraFd Cert
1t opened to my knock, and Jacques
faithful knave, was in waiting. After
this there followed the usual little delay
and hustle consequent. on a new arrival
AS [ dismounted Jacques whispered
in my ear: "You are NJ. de Preaulx, OF
Saumur, in the Anjoumois, monsieur
80 NJ. d'AubussOn tells me-" | re-
piled in the same tone, and then louder:
But you might have made mess of it
Jacques-however, you meant we'll, and
l owe you five crowns for your good in
tentions. Now call mine host, and tel
him to show me to my rooms, whilst
you see to the horses
Mine host was already there, in slip
pCred feet. with long candle in one
hand and cup of warmed Romance in
the other. He led the way with many
bows, and 1 limped after him to a room
which was large and comfortable
enough.
Here is some mulled Romance fol-
monsieur lie baron" he said as he hand
ed me the goblet. His lordship, the
! count, will observe that the best room
has been kept for him, and later on
will have the pleasure of setting the
finest dinner in France before the most
noble marquis night, monsei
{ gneur-good night and good dreams,
. and he tottered off, leaving me to drinl
the mulled wine, which was superb
and to sleep the sleep of the utterly
weary.
1t was late when l awoke and found
Jacques in my room attending to my
things. The rest had done my leg good
! ! 81 = 4 ~.