Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1899-01-05

sieur," she said, bitterly, "and l have
come back to it,"
Il see you have, sergeant-but why in
this way?"
Monsieur, was driven to straits and
did a thing. Then they hunted me
from Dreux to Rouvres, from Rouvres
to Anet-"
And from AnLt came you here?'
at is but stone-throw," Nicholas
answered, land | had business in
hand. After which we were going
away"
While he was speaking Marie lit lam
thorn, and I saw that my eX-ser-
geant was evidently in the lowest water.
He had been a smart soldier, but was
now unkempt and dirty, and his eye had
the shifty look of a hunted animal. He
wore rusty corselet and a rustier chain
cap on his head, drawn over bandage
that covered his ears. AS my eye fell
on the bandage / called to mind the
mutilation that had been inflicted on
him, brand that had cast him out of
the pale of all honest men. Nicholas
watched my glances, and ground his
teeth in rage. 81 will kill him." he
hissed, "kill him like the dog he is
monsieur, that was my business"
"Then de Gormeron-"
els but an hours ride away, mon
sieur-at Anet."
"At Anet! What does he do there?'
"Monsieur," he answered hoarsely,
taking me by the sleeve of my doublet,
81 know not; but a fortnight ago he
came here with a score of lances at his
back, and the kings commission in his
pocket, and he lords it as if he were
the duke himself. Yesterday a great
noble came up from the Blaisois, and
another whose name | know not has
come from Paris-and they hatch trea
son against the king. Monsieur, | can
prove this. You saved my life once, and,
beast as | am now, | am still grateful.
Come with me; | will settle my score
with him, and tomorrow you can bear
news to- the court that will make you a
great man."
1t was one of those moments that re-
quire instant decision. | was certainly
not going to assist Nicholas in commit
ting a murder. Any such plan of his
would be easily stopped, but if what
the man said was true, then he had
given me information that might be of
the greatest value to me. If it was
false, well, then / should have a FOOLS
elrand for my pains, but be otherwise
none the worse off. There was no time
to question him in detail-for a second
| was silent, and Marie looked from one
to another Of us, with wide-open eyes.
you have a horse?" | asked.
"Yes, monsieur-it is hidden in the
forest not 300 toises from here"
I'VE are ready, NJ. lie Chevalier," and
jacques voice broke in upon us, Jacques
himself standing in the doorway. My
mind was made up that instant, and |
decided to take the chance.
Jacques" | said, 81 have business
here tonight, which must be done alone
ride on, therefore, yourself to ROuvres
and await me at the Grand CERT. If
anyone tries to hinder you say that you
ride for your master in the kings name.
If | am not at Rouvres by morning
make your way to Septeuil. If | do
not arrive in two days, go home and do
the best you can for yourself-you fol-
low?"
"Monsieur.'
"Adieu, then-and Marie, here is some
thing as wedding portion for you,'
and | thrust a handful of gold pieces
into her palm, and, being moved by
many things, added:
"When this is over, you and Nicholas
go to Auriac. | will arrange for you
there"
The girl stared bankly at me for a
moment, then suddenly caught my
hand and kissed it, and then with
rapid movement flung herself into her
lovers arms.
NO she said, "no-take back your
gift, monsieur-he will not 60"
Nonsense, Marie" and Nicholas
gently released her arms. 81 have come
back to you to mend my ways, and
must begin by paying my debts-come,
monsieur"