The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-03-31

gaming house kept by the most cele-
brated traiteur in Paris. had mind
to step in, more out of curiosity than
anything else. when, just as halted in
hesitation before the door, two or three
masked cavaliers came out, singing and
laughing, and in the foremost of them
had no difficulty in recognizing the old
reprobate d'Ayen. Much as would
have avoided quarrel, it could not be
helped, for had the door, and it was
certainly my right to enter. They,
however, ranged themselves arm in arm
before me and, being in wine, began to
laugh and jeer at mysomber attire.
Does NJ. lie Huguenot think there is
a preche here?" said d'Ayen, bowling to
me in mockery as he lifted his plumed
hat. 1 determined to show in my an
swer that knew them.
LET me pass, NJ. d'Ayen," said,
coldly, I'VE have too much between us
to quarrel here"
He knew me well enough, but pre-
tended surprise.
"Corboeuf! monsieur lie chevalier,
and so it is you! Gentlemen, allow me
to present you to NJ. lie Chevalier
d'Auriac, with whom I have an argu-
ment that we never could bring to
conclusions; we disagreed on the sub
ject of landscape gardening"
1t was hard pill to swallow. but /
Edict was fresh; a conflict there would
have meant complete disaster; and
there would have been no chance for
escape as the passage was getting
crowded.
81 remember perfectly" said, carry
ing on d'Ayen's feint, "but l am not
prepared to discuss the matter now. l
must go back to take some notes to re-
fresh my memory" The man was
flown with wine. He thought feared
him, and my words, which reused his
companions to scornful laughter, made
him do foolish thing.
"At least take reminder with you,"
and he flung his soft. musk-scented
glove in my face.
"a ring! A ring!" roared twenty
voices. and before 1 knew where was
l was in the center of circle in the
passage, the slight figure of d'Ayen be-
fore me, and the point of his rapier
glinting like diamond, now in quartz,
now in tierce.
Some one-I know not who-at this
juncture cut the silken cord by which
huge ornamental lantern was hung
above our heads. 1t fell with crash
and in moment we were in semi-dark-
ness. I took the opportunity to dash
forward, f1atten myself against the
wall, and by dint of little manage
ment and more good luck, succeeded in
getting within yard or so of the
door. Here, taking my occasion, made
| a sudden spring forward, upsetting a
man in front of me, and dashed off down
the street. Unfortunately, was not
so quick but that was seen and in
stantly pursued by portion of the
watch on guard outside.
There was nothing for it but to run.
Fast as l went, however, there were
good men behind me, and could not
shake them off, though the streets were
in gloom. The worst of the matter,
constantly reinforced by amateur
guardians of the peace. Everyone who
happened to be passing, or heard the
noise, seemed to think it his duty to
join in the chase, and it was with fine
following that headed toward the
river. Heaven knows how cursed my
folly at having put my nose into More's,
and redoubled my pace as l heard.
from the shouts to the right and to the
left of me, that l was practically
hammed in, and that my only chance
was to take to the river. They were
close up to me when l reached the bank
few yards below pont aux Meunniers,
and without further hesitationI plunged
in, and the bubbling and seething of
the water brought the yell of disap-
pointment from the bank family to my
ears. The set of the stream was toward
the opposite shore, and in five seconds
l was in pitch darkness, though, look
ing back over my shoulder as l struck
out, 1 could see, by the lanterns that
some carried, the watch and the volun-
teer brigade dancing with anger at my
escape, but none of them dared to fol-
low.
had to swim with will, for the cur
| rent was swift; but at length reached
my own side of the river, drenched, it is
true, but safe for the present.
Pantin opened the door to me.
"Ciel!" he exclaimed, as he saw me
wet and dripping. What has hap
pened?"