The herald., 1898-12-25

escaped but by fluke. He is a robber,
thief and perhaps a murderer, and"
And what
De Clermont reached forward and
brushed off an imaginary fly from his
horses ears.
And has something of history. I
believe he was a gentleman once, and
then went under-found his way to the
galleys. After that he was anything,
and perhaps 1 ought not to tell you, but
in time he became de Lorgnacs SER
geant-his confidential man-and it was
only his masters influence that saved
him from well-deserved death. 1t was
foolish of de Lorgnac, for the man
knew too many of his secrets and was
getting dangerous. 1 hope l have not
panied you,' he added gently.
Not in the least" l replied and
rode on, looking straight before me. So
this vile criminal was once my hus-
bands confidential servant, was per-
haps still connected with him in some
of his dark designs, and then l said n
bitter thing, Like master, like man. Is
that not the adage, monsieur" But
as the words escaped me I felt a keen
regret.
God help you, Denise" I heard de
Clermont mumur as if to himself, and
then he turned abruptly from me, and
Joined Madame de Termes, leaving me
with a beating heart, for his words had
come to me with sense of undying,
hopeless love in them, and he was so
brave, he seemed so true, and looked so
handsome, that my heart went out in
pity for him. How the mind can move.
In moment there rose before me
thoughts of a life far different to the
one to which l was doomed, and with
them came the grim specters of the
VOWS that bound me forever, and which
1 would have to keep. God help me!
Yes, l needed help-de Clermont was
right.
We passed on, leaving the gang still
under the plane trees, and soon came
in view of Ambazac, lying amidst it's
setting of waving cornfields. Here for
n little time we suddenly missed de
Clermont and one of his lackeys, and
both madame and 1 We're much con-
cerned, for the same thought struck us
both, that he had Jagged behind and
then gone off hot-foot to punish la Co
guile. We were about to turn after
him when he came in sight, followed by
his man, and caught us up, riding with
free rein. He perhaps saw the in
quiry in my look, for he said softly to
me, II went back to pick up a souvenir
/ had dropped" and his eye fell on the
lapel of his coat where my rose was, Il
little, however, the worse for wear
After that he did not speak to me, but
kept by madame and devoted himself
to her with a delicacy for which 1 was
grateful, for 1 felt I wanted all my
thoughts for myself. At Ambazac
which we reached in a little, we found
good accommodation at a large inn, al
though the town was full, it being the
fete of st. Etienne de Muret, and after
taking some light refreshments mad
anne and 1 retired to our apartments
to rest until the supper hour, for we
were wearied. We supped in tie COM
mon hall, but at a small table little
part from the others, and de Clermont,
who sat next to me, gave madame an
interesting account of the defense of
Ambazac made by her husband against
the Prince of Conde. It was whilst he
was detailing the incidents of this ad-
venture that, with a great Gathering
and much loud talking, la Coquille and
his men entered the dining room and
began to shout for food and drink. Most
Of the people in the inn being common
country folk and unarmed, made way
for the crew with haste, and even an
expression of alarm appeared on La
lande's face, for our own servants were
but six in number, including the bag
gage drivers and madame's maid and
my own. who, of course, were useless,
and two Of our men servants We're at
the moment attending to the horses; so
that we were at a decided disadvant-
age, and la Coquille was not slow to
perceive this.
Dame" he exclaimed, looking to-
ward us, here is my popinjay and his
sugar-plum. Look you, my good fell
low, join those boys there whilst bask
in beauty's smiles"
His men crowded round our servants
with rough joking, and he, picking up
STOOL placed it at our table and held
out an immense greasy paw to me.
Shake hands, ma mignonne! Never
mind the old lady and the silk mercer.
There Is no lover like brave soldier -
Madame was white with anger 1 had
sprung to my feet meditating flight.
and the villains followers raised n
hoarse shout, Courage, captain! None
but the brave deserve the fair"
Then de Clermont's hand was on the
mans neck, and with a swing of his
arm he sent him staggering back all
most across the room. He recovered
himself on the instant, however, for he
was powerful man, and rushed for
ward; but stopped when he saw de
Clermonts rapier in his hand, and be-
gan to tug at his fathom of a sword.
His men, however, offered no assist
ance to him, contenting themselves
with breaking into loud laughter As
for de Clermont, he was as cool and
self-possessed as if he We're at court
function.
"Out Of this he said. ''Begone-else
I shall have you fogged and you shall
taste the carcan. Be off,
1.-THE carcan! You silkworm. you
cream-faced dancing master!" yelled
the man, who had now drawn his
sword. 'Who the devil are you to
threaten me-la Coquille-with the car
can? Blood of Jew! Who are you?'
"The Marquis de Clermont- -Ferrand. -
was the answer, "and these ladies are
of the household Of NJ de Termes. and
now I will give you and your men two
minutes to go. If not shall have them
S'oiSN o"e " eAe Pidce, anu yOu-yOu
know what to expect. If you are wise
you will put hundred leagues be-
tween yourself and Perigord after this.
and now be off-fool''
The man dropped his sword into it's
sheath and stammered out, "Your par
don, monseigneur! 1 did not know.
Come, boys" he said with an affecta-
tion of unconcern, "these ladies COM
plain that the place is too crowded.
we will 90 alsawharo At ,rn,,r .A...;a.