The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1899-04-21
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cried Emile. II say let the rites pro-
coed. Father, Count Beauvais, do you
know who it is? this fine braggadocio,
who would save us all-it is the peas
ant Hugo we drove away from Ger
main"
"You choose the wrong time to talk
of peasants and nobles," cried Bernard
bitterly, every moment you spend in
mistalk is chance loss of your life.
Hark"
He raised his arm to enforce atten-
ton, and for the moment commanded
silence. A loud, wild cry, tossed about
and varied as from a thousand throats,
came on with the evening breeze.
CHASTITY horror frozen upon every face
betrayed their conviction of the truth.
"Mon Dieu" calculated Count Beau
vais, "the youth was right. Fly, En-
lie, to have the coachman to bring out
the horses"
''The coachman" repeated Bernard
bitterly, Il could not find a living soul
in the chateau; doubtless they fed the
moment you entered the chapel. Once
more, will you follow me? If you had
come at first might have insured safe
ty, now it will be race for life"
Count Beauvais looked irresolute,
but Emile exclaimed haughtily, though
his voice shook with terror:
ut is folly to think of help from
you; quick, quick, we can saddle the
horses ourselves" and he plunged des-
perately toward the stables.
Bernard turned frantically to Vio-,
lante, who stood frozen beside the
altar, Must see you sacrificed, to
their stubbornness? Say, quick, Vio-
lante, will you come with me?"
Yes, yes, Bernard, but, oh, my faith
err"
HE will not come. If 1 can help
him hereafter, it shall be DONE If he
is lost. his blood be on his own head"
answered Bernard, tearing away the
delicate lace flounces from the grasp
the Countess German had laid upon
them to restrain her sons bride, add
ing between his set teeth, while he
gave one glance at that cold, proud
face: stand back, madame, and let
her pass, and if you choose. follow
yourself; much as loathe, detest, abb
hor you, in this dire extremity 1 will
not refuse to preserve your life.''
The countess flung him mingled
look OF hate and scorn, and hurried
to seek the gentlemen at the stables,
while Bernard, lifting Violante in his
arms, ran swiftly into the entrance
hall, at the same time, with his own
hands, tearing off the diamond brace
lets and ornaments from her hair and
arms.
"Quick, quick, Violante, it is no time
for false modesty; put on this peas
ant blouse and trousers, and knot this
tricolored scarf around your head,
while so for powder to hide your
white skin. 1t is too late to reach the
cliff now. I will try and manage it
for you, if you will command your
fears and keep closely by my side.
Where is Celeste? l saw her here a
moment since. Poor thing! she must
have fled with all the rest"
When he dashed back. instead of the
glittering jewels and white robes of a
bride, Violante stood there in the guise
of an humble peasant boy. The counts,
all three, rushed to the door.
"Violante, Violante, where are you?
We are waiting and seeing no one
but the despised Hugo and a peasant
boy, they sped away again, while
fiercer and nearer swept on the rabble,
and the wild cry:
Down with the aristocrats! death
to cur opgressors!"
Violante chung desperately to Ber-
nard's arm, and looked up with wild,
imploring eyes into his face.
Courage, dearest, beloved one, act
bravely little while, and you shall
gain the safety of the cliff. You know
the way. If any one in the rabble sus-
poets you, and I am prevented from
helping you, fly toward the cliff; reach
the great rock beyond the larch tree
and give four blasts. Have you the
whistle? if not, here is another, and
you will be instantly admitted. NV
mother is warned, and stands ready
for the signal"
BY this time a great clamor, and
mingled yells, shrieks and impreca-
tons, told the arrival of the crowd.
and their rage at finding the chateau
deserted. Watching his chance, Ber-
nard dragged his companion from the
chapel and quietly slipped out into the
crowd pouring into the chateau.