The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1899-05-13
always ready. you see. 1t Is my III

! hidden by suits of armor In the littl,
parlor into which Capendac conducted
his visitor he saw only weapons ga
lore; ataghans. poisoned arrows. sa
bers, one and two-handed swords pis
tolls, lances; there was plenty there Il,
make timid heart quail.
Bah" thought Anatole. what do J
risk now? Two hours and half al
the most. Here goes"
Monsieur" said Anatole. you ar,
going to marry Mile, Nicette?'
Yes. monsieur"
Monsieur, you shall not marry her.
Blood and thunder, and who will
hinder mey'
81 will"
"Ah, young man." said he. at length
you are lucky to find me in a pleasant
humor. Profit by it, Do you know
that | have fought twenty duels. il
which had the misfortune to Stay five
of my adversaries and to wound the
other fifteen? Once more | warn you
to retire.
Il see" replied Anatole, that yor
are an adversary worthy of my steel
and my desire increases to measure
swords with man so redoubtable Lee
us see. Suppose we fight with those
two swords by the chimney, or these
cavalry sabers, or these-or what dc
you say to these curved ataghans. You
don't decide? Why do you hesitate?
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 renounce the
hand of Nicette."
81 like your pluck. The brave should
always be in harmony with each other
DO you wish me to confess something
to your
"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. l 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 menaced me-"
Il withdraw the menace"
"Then it is agreed"
"Will you write and sign your re-
linquishment of Nicette?'
Il have so 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 o'clock.
''Ting-a -ling-a-ling."
"Who is thereY
"Anatole."
"Be off to bed" cried the professor,
wrathfully
Il have the consent of NJ Capendac.
Open, or l will have to break the door"
Nj. Bousard opened it. Anatole show
ed 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. l 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 and truly, my guardian, am
free to marry AnatOleY'
"Haw 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 I amr' exclaimed the
poor fellow. The cup of happiness is
at my lips, and am going to die with.
out tasting it,"
Then feverishly taking Nicette'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 DIR. Bardais;
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 ne. 81 must die"
"But it is impossible" said Nicette;
..ihn lncfnr is lnnniund WIN Is hn.,,