The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1899-05-11
II was done in n ,rice and asI,t.n,.a


great dog that has just found its mas
ter.
noticed, however, at the first glance
l took around, that both Pantin and
jacques were fully dressed, late as IL
was, and that the notary was very pale,
and the hand in which he held q lantern
was visibly trembling.
Monsieur" he began, and then
stopped, but I understood the question
in his voice and answered at once;
"Pantin, have come back to free her
come back almost from the dead"
Then, monsieur, there are those here
who can help you still had thought
you brought the worst news" and he
looked Mt me where l stood, soiled and
wet. This way, NJ. lie Chevalier," he
continued.
I'm a moment, Pantin," cut in Dame
Annette's voice, and the good woman
came up to me with hagon of warmed
wine in her hand.
Take this first, chevalier, tits Maitre
Pantin's nightcap; but do not think
he will need it this night. God be
thanked you have come back safe"
| wrung her hand and drained the
wine at a dreught, and then, with Pan
tin ahead, holding his lantern aloft, we
ascended the stairs that led to my apart
ments. AS we went up asked Jacques
did you manage the businessY'
"Yes, monsieur; and Marie and her
father are both safe at Auriac. rode
back almost without drawing rein, and
reached here but this afternoon; and
then, monsieur, l heard what had hap
pencd, and gave you up for lost"
At this juncturc we reached the small
landing near the sitting-room l had
occupied, and Pantin, without further
ceremony, flung open the door, and an
nounced me by name. lstepped in, with
some surprise, the others crowding
after me, and at the first glance recog-
nizcd to my astonishment de Belin, who
had half risen from his seat, his hand on
his sword hilt, as the door was flung
open, and in the other figure, seated in
armchair, and staring moodily into the
fire, saw Palm, who, however, made no
movement toward turning his head,
and looking coldly at me. Not so Belin,
for he sprang forward to meet me, in
his impulsive way, calling out:
"Arnidieu! You are baclSl Palm,
take heart, man! He would never have
come back alone"
The last words struck me like blow,
and my confusion was increased by the
demeanor of Palm, who gave no sign
of recognition, and there stood in the
midst of them fumbling with the hilt of
my sword, and facing the still motion.
less figure before me, the light of the
candles falling on the stern, drawn fea-
lures of the Huguenot.
My forehead grew hot with shame
and anger, us l looked from one to an
other, and then, like criminal before
judge, l faced the old man and told
| him exactly what had happened--all
except one thing which kept back. At
the mention of Ravaillac's name, and OF
his identity with the capuchin, the Wis
compte de Belin swore bitterly under
his mustache; and but for that excla-
nation my story was heard in stiffness
TO its bitter end. For moment one
might have heard pin fall, and then
| Palm said: And you left her-therel"
The dry contempt of his manner stung
me; but could say nothing save NUT.
| ter:
II did what 1 could"
''The one eve lamb of the fold--the
| last and the best beloved" he said, as IL
| speaking to himself, and then in a sud.
den fury he sprang to his feet; 'but
why do we stand prating here? There
| are five Of us, and we know where she
is-come."
But Belin put his hand on his shoul-
der. Patience, Maitre Palm - pa
tience."
II have had enough of patience and
enough of trusting Others" and the
1uguenot shook off the hand and looked
at me with soowl. Come, NJ. d. Au-
riac, IL you would make amends, lead
me to this To.son dor and we will see
what an old arm can do"
81 am ready" answered.
But Belin again interfered.
"Messieurs, this is madness - from
what | have gathered, d'Auriac will
prove but n blind guide back-we are
not, moreover, sure that madame is
there-sit still here, you Palin-neither
you nor d'Auriac are fit to think. Fore
Cad! 1t was lucky thought OF this for
our meeting place tonight, Palin-sit
still and let me think"
II can think well enough" I cut in,
"and | have my plan; but / should
like to ask a question or two before
speak"
"And these questions are?"
II presume am suspected of this alb
duction?"
"And of more. Nom de Diem! Mani
your mare was found dead, and beside
her one of the marshaPs guards, run
through the heart" answered de Belin.
Then of course If am seen am in
danger?"
"A miracle only could save you. The
king is enraged beyond measure, and
swears he will let the edict go in it's full
force against you. The camarguer has
made fine story OF it, saying how he
tried to stop the abduction, but failed
in the attempt"
''In short, then, il would ruin all
chances il we adopt Maitre Palms sug-
gestion."
you are saving me the trouble of
thinking"
again" I went on, sit is not certain
il madame is still at the Toison dor,
and apart from that doubt IL could
fad my way back there to-niOht unless