Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-02-09


"Then have the goodness to step back
whilst NJ. d'Auriac and discuss the po-
sition."
Babette did as she was hidden, NUT
tering something, and de Gomeron, adj
vancing pace, addressed me:
Monsieur, / have come to make you
an offer, and | will not waste words. !
am playing to win a desperate game,
and l shall not hesitate to play any card
to win. My offer is this: | ask you TO
sign formal document, which | shall
bring to you, holding me guiltless OF
any design against either you or Nine.
de la Bidache. In return | will set you
free In ten days after you sign this pa
per. During that time you must con-
slider yourself my prisoner; but you
will be better lodged than now. Should
you refuse to accept this offer there is
nothing left for me but TO leave you here
to die"
He spoke in slow, measured accents,
and the vault of the roof above me gave
back the mans words in solemn echo
The light of the lantern stretched in a
long, yellow shaft up the spiral stair
way beyond the door, and half in this
light and half in shadow stood the
witchlilSe figure of Babette, leaning a
little forward, as if striving to catch
each word that was spoken.
In the silence that followed the free
lance's speech, could almost hear the
blood throbbing in my temples; and for
the moment was deprived Of all power
Of words. II was not from fear, nor
from any idea of accepting the offer,
but thought had come to my mind.
would oppose craft with craft, and meet
the fox in the skin OF fox.
"Give me "a hours TO decide" I an
swered, "and free me from these cords.
| cannot think for the pain of them"
"Pardieu!" He laughed. "The knots
have been well tied; but "a hours is a
long time"
"Yet you are willing 10 accommodate
me for ten days, better lodged. Ventre-
bleul NJ. de Gomeron. do you think
can scratch my way out Of this?"
He did not answer me, but stood for
awhile biting at the ends Of his thick
mustachc. Then he suddenly called 20
Babette: "Cut the cords"
She came forward and obeyed. Words
cannot convey the sensation of relief
as the cords fell from me; but for the
time being so numbed was | that was
powerless TO move.
''You have your desire, monsieur"
said de Gomeron, "and / await your
decision. 1t will save me trouble II
you inform Babette whether you agree
or not. In the former event we shall
have the pleasure of meeting again; in
the latter case take the opportunity
OF wishing you as happy time as
man NAV have-in the future life. In
the meantime will see that some re-
freshments are sent to you-adieu!"
He turned and stepped out of the cell,
and stood for a moment whilst Babette
picked no the lantern and followed him.
Monsieur will not want the light
10 aid him to think" she laughed; and
then the door was shut. | heard the
sullen clank OF the chain, the turning
OF the great keys. and was alone and
in darkness once more.
Dark it may have been; but, thank
Godl | was no longer like trussed
fowl and beiook myself TO rubbing my
numbed limbs. until finally the chilled
blood was warmed ard I was able 10
stand and then, in little, gained |
strength TO grope my way backward |
md forward in the cell as an exercise. |
No thought of ever agreeing 70 de Com
sron's terms ever crossed me. I had, |
however, resolved to make dash for
freedom when he came 10 rle again. ! |
should pretend to agree, and then win
lose all in the rush. Anyway | woult /
not die here like a rat in a trap. a. |
most chuckled to myself as thought
was in fair way TO outwit the fire,
lance. He was fool, after all. though
al the same time, could not but admir-
that his move 10 get me to admit his in
nocence was skillful one; still. IL wa
c plot which might overreach itself. My
captors had eased me OF my belt, which
was so well stuffed with pistoles. They
had not, however, had time or oppor
tunity to search me further and had lef
my clasp knife, which lay in my pocket
rs have said. together with a dozen OF
so of gold pieces had kept there TO b,
1t hand. l pulled out the knife. and
opening it, ran my fingers along the
blade. II was three inches or so II
ength, but sharp as a razor; and with
{ one might infiict an ugly wound in S
! mapped out my plar
mentally. When de Gomeron came
gain | should fell him as he en-
cred. arm myself. II possible. by snatch
ng his sword, and then cut my way out
It be cut down had no doubt that J
night be able TO effect the first part OF
he programme In those days I was as
trong as a bull and there were few
len, especially If they were UMPIRE
jared. who could have stood a blow
rom me. II was in act two that might
ONE TO grief. At any rate il should be
final and quick ending to the busi
ess. not the long-drawn-out agony
-ould otherwise have TO endure. Now
nat I think of il. il was a poor enough
Ian. and IL was lucky that under