The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-05-05

then, monsieur, l heard what had hap
pened, and gave you up for lost"
At this juncture 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. Istepped in, with
some surprise, the others crowding
after me, and at the first glance recog-
nized to my establishment 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 modify 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 back! Palm,
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 l 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, as 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 RavailIac'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 a pin fall, and then
Palm said: and you left her-there!"
The dry contempt of his manner stung
me; but / could say nothing save NUT.
ter:
Il did what l couId.''
'The one eve lamb of the fold-the
last and the best beloved" he said, as if
speaking to himself. and then in std
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 shout
der. Patience, Maitre Palm pa
tience."
Il have had enough of patience and
enough of trusting Others" and the
Huguenot shook off the hand and looked
at me with scowl. "Come, NJ. d. Au-
riac, if you would make amends, lead
me to this Toison 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 I have gathered, d'Auriac will
prove but 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 we'll enough" 1 cut in,
"and I have my plan; but should
like to ask a question or two before I
speak,
ana UneSe questions are {!
II presume am suspected of this alb
duction?"
"And of more. Nom de Diem! Man!
your mare was found dead, and beside
her one of the marshal's 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 its 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, it would ruin all
chances if we adopt Maitre Palms sug
gestion."
"You are saving me the trouble of
thinking"
again" went on, cit is not certain
if madame is still at the Toison dor,
and apart from that doubt if could
find my way back there tonight, unless
anyone could guide me-" and looked
at the Pantins, who shook their heads
sorrowfully.
tTo BE Continued