The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1899-04-27
always ready. you see. II I, my In.

/
lore ataghans. poisoned arrows, 81.
bers. one and two-handed swords. p.s
tolls. lances; there was plenty there to
make "A timid heart quail.
BAH" thought Anatole, what do !
risk now? Two hours and Il half AT
the most. Here goes"
| Monsieur" said Anatole. you are
going to marry Mile. NicetteT'
Yes. monsieur"
Monsieur, you shall not marry her"
"Blood and thunder, and who will
! hinder mr?"
IL will"
"Ah. young man." said he, at length,
you are lucky to lind me in n pleasant
! humor. Profit by it. DO you know
! that | have fought twenty duels. in
| which | had the misfortune to STAY five
of my adversarics and to wound the
other fifteen? once more | warn you
to retire
Il see" replied Anatole. that you
are an adversary worthy of my steel,
and my desire increases To measure
swords with Il man SO redouhtablc. Let
us see. Suppose we fight with those
two swords by the chimney. or these
cavalry sahers. or these-or what do
you say 10 these curved ataghans. You
don't decide? Why do you hcsitatc?'
Il was thinking of your mother and
the grief your death would cause her"
Il am an orphan. DO you prefer the
carbine. the pistol, or the revolver?'
Young man, do not fool with these
firearms"
Are you afraid? You tremble."
Il tremble? Nonsense. it is the cold"
Then either fight or rcnouncc the
hand of Nicette."
Il like your pluck. The brave should
always be in harmony with each other.
DO you wish me to confess something
to yOu!'
"Out with it,"
For some time past have wished to
free myself from this betrothal But |
did not know how to go to work about
it. | would consent very willingly to
what you desire of me. but you must
understand that |, Capendac. cannot
have the air of yielding to threats. Now
you have menaccd me-
IL withdraw the menace"
Then il is agreed"
"Will you write and sign your re-
linqulShmcnt of Nicette?"
Il have 50 much sympathy for you
that | can refuse you nothing"
Furnished with the precious paper,
Anatole hurried back to the residence
of NJ. Bousard. He reached his door
at 5 o'clock.
Ting a-ling-a-ling."
"Who is there!'
"AnatOle."
"Be off TO bed" cried the professor
wrathfullr.
4 have the consent of NJ. Capendac
Open. or will have to break the door"
NJ. Bousard opened it. Anato'e show
Ell him the paper. and going to the door
of Nicette's room, called out:
Cousin, rise. dress yourself quickly.
and come down"
Some minutes after. Nicette. fresh as
the dawn, came into the little parlor
What is the matter?" She inquired
The matter is" answered NJ. Bous-
ard. that your cousin is crazy"
IF that be so there is at any rate
method in my madness" exclaimed
Anatole. This very night. my dear
cousin. | have achieved two things.
NJ. Capendac has renowned his claim
to your hand. and your excellent guard
ian consents that you shall marry
whom you please"
Really ana truly. my guardian. am !
free to marry Anatole?"
"IIa." exclaimed Anatole.
Then. love you. my cousin"
At that moment AnatOle felt his heart
beat rapidly. Was it by reason of the
pleasure which the unexpected avowal
of Nicette had caused him: Was it the
pang predicted by DR.. Bardais? Was
it death?
wretch that | ami" exclaimed the
poor fellow. The cup of happiness is
at my lips, and | am going to die with
out tasting it,
Then feverishly taking Niccttc's
hand. he told her all how he had re-
ceived the letter which contained the
flower whose fragrance he had inhaled:
and of the prognostic of DR.. Rardais:
how he had made his will in her favor.
the steps he had subsequently taken,
and the success with which his efforts
had been crowned.
And now" sighed "e. Il must die"
But it is impossible" said Nic,tte;
the doctor is deceived. Who is he?"
"A man who is never wrong in his
diagnosis Nicette-Dr. Bardais."
"BardaiS. BarlaiS." cried NJ RnuS-
ard suddenly. bursting out laughing.