The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-04-07
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THE RIGHTFUL HEIR :
NJ. II.
By ~. r. CALDoR.

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figure of woman. She took away her
hands from the lever, and while the
wheels revolved the rock swung once
more to its place.
Christopher was looking back in
open mouthed wonder! Bernard smiled
at his amazement.
1T was a mechanical genius who
contrived that, my friend. What say
you, In the hour of danger, which
should you prefer, my lord Count Ger
mains fine Chateau, or this humble
cave, Of whose existence he has not the
slightest suspicion?"
"Parbleau!" cried Christopher, eft is
wonderful! M. Jean told me good deal
about it. but not the half!'
The woman who had admitted them
led the way along the rocky corridor,
and opened an iron door, riveted firm
ly at the hinges in the solid stone.
Well might Christopher start at the
elegant hall which burst upon him.
The walls hung with thick crimson
cloth, the floors carpeted, and lounges,
footstools, vases, with many costly as
we'll as useful articles scattered around,
making scene SO strange and unex-
pected he might be pardoned for look
ing about timidly, as if believing it the
work of some enchanter's wand.
In we'll constructed fireplace, with
hearth of marble tiles, burned cheer
full fire of Goals. Again Bernard laugh
ed, as he saw Christopher follow what
could be seen of the fue with dubious
gaze.
"Nay, nay, good Christopher, repress
your curiosity for a while, and you
shall have all explanation you desire.
Do not fear the smoke will betray us
it is artfully contrived, and not even
the crows who have built their nests
near the outlet, guess what keeps them
so warm in the chilliest nights. Now
tell me my uncle's message, II he sent
no letter, which expect not, since he
so much abhors the pen."
Madame Valerie, pale, careworn
looking woman, with strong marks of
extraordinary beauty, which had faded
early, came forward with tray bear
Ing wine and cake, and as soon as his
share had been disposed of, Christie
pher began
II saw M. Jean just four weeks ago
tonight. He came down from Paris to
see me, and arrange for this voyage. I
brought the cargo to you, leaving Just
enough to carry to Grenoble to elude
suspicion. He said was to say to you,
to use all possible vigilance and pre-
caution against discovery-especially
cautioning you and Madame Valerie
against lettering much without the
cave. He has given me orders to make
two more trips, and store away here
provisions enough to last a year. If
need be. cannot tell you all he
means. NJ. Jean is so outre, but I am
sure If some plan fails. this cave is to
be his dernier resort. All, I am stu
| pid, the most important of all came
near forgetting. He wants you to come
up to Paris when make my next trip;
| you are to return with me, and leave
madame alone few days. All, mon
sieur, there be strange doings now in
Paris! While King Louis gives his
great fetes, and Marie Antoinette hangs
around her beautiful throat necklace,
every diamond of which costs enough
to save hundreds Of Frenchmen from
starvation, women gather together, in
rooms that lack the gliding anu blaze
of the palace. Mon Dieu! l know not
what is said or done. M. Jean can tell
you, he is always amongst them"
Bernard had listened attentively to
every word, but now his eyes rove
dreamily to the fire, while he mutter-
ed
eyes, yes, it is coming speedily for
ward! Poor France! your tranquil chill
dren are rising up to hurl their own
weapons upon the oppressors"
Christopher turned to address some
simple observation to Madame Valerie.
who was looking wistfully at her sons
lowering brow.
Come, come, this will never do"
exclaimed Bernard, shaking off his rev.
cry 1.-THE boat is still unloaded, and 7
am somewhat less sturdy than upon the
last assignment"
Whereupon all three returned to the
outside of the cliff, to assist in trans
ferring the contents of the boat to the
mysterious stronghold within. Three
times the boat passed to and fro be-
tween the sloop and the cliff, and then
Christopher returned to his craft, and
setting sail, pushed on further toward
Grenoble, while Bernard, drawing his
mother to his side, in the crimson
canopied hall of rock, said tenderly:
Look not so sad, ma chere mere; if
leave you it will be only to further
our rights, to redress our wrongs, and
the time will scarcely be as long as
that through which you have just pass
ed-while I was at Beauvias Chateau.
Be prudent and hopeful; perchance
amid the anarchy that threatens the
land we may be restored to our
rights"
"Ah, my son, for my own sake, the
hope is dead-but for you I would fain
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