The Holly chieftain., 1899-03-03
CHAPTER VIII.
NJ. DE PRFATIX

NJ DE BSEA In
] kept off the road as far as possible
to avoid being tracked. Even if no
further attempt TO follow me was made
tonight, which was uncertain, MS de
Gomeron was not the man to let the
barest chance slip through his fingers.
yet there was no doubt as to what would
happen on the morrow. | congratu-
lated myself on having crippled the last
of the sleuth hounds, as my gentlemen
would be placed thereby in n difficulty
in regard to my route, and if they
secured the country in twos and threes
| felt confident of being able, with
Jacques aid. to give good account OF
myself did we meet, despite my bruised
leg, which reminded me of itself un.
pleasantly.
AS patted Couronne's neck l thought
of Nicholas, and with the memory of
him the face of Marie came up. felt
myself in a measure responsible for his
death, and was resolved to weigh out in
full to Marie the payment had prom
Used them both. II was debt would
discharge to the end of the measure
y sense of relief came to my mind
Isith this resolve, and. as Rouvres could
not be far distant / slackened pace TO
let the horses breathe trifle, and be-
gan to hastily plan my future course of
action on reaching Paris. / had not
only discovered what was evidently
deep and widely spread plot. but had
also stumbled on the dreadful secret of
the death of the woman who was to be
queen of France in name. as she was in
reality. 1t was certain that she had
been foully murdered. 1t was certain
that the kings most trusted captain
nnd many OF his greatest mobiles We're
hilt deep in treachery-so much knew.
Ihad seen with mine own eyes, and heard
with mine own ears, but beyond this
! had no proofs; and what would my
word weigh against theirs! Besides
this, there was my own trouble.
D'Ayen's mocking warning was explicit
enough, when read with Palms con-
fidence, and any doubt may have had
on that point was almost set at rest by
what had overheard. In short, | was
the rival of the king. and felt my head
very loose upon my neck.
What was | to do? 1t was no easy
matter to decide; but came to the con
clusion that my best course was to
seek out the all-powerful Sully. tell him
what | knew, and beg the help of that
great man. | did not know him, ex-
cept by repute; but my case was strong
and my cause good. Iwould delay not
n III ,h; ID,
but it was Rouvres | had to come to
hrst. and many a league lay for retiec-
ton between me and the Louvre.
AT last heard the Lauds chime sol
emnly out into the night. and in few
minutes pulled up the weary beasts be-
fore the gates of Rouvres. Here found
difficulty might have anticipated.
The gates were shut and the unpleasant
prospect of dreary wait of some hours
Jay before me. This was not to be
borne. and l raised clamor that
might have awakened the dead 1t
had the desired effect of rousing the
watch at the gate. wicket was opened.
the light of lantern flashed through,
and gruf voice bade me begone.
Open" l roared, open in the kings
name"
"Pardieu! monsieur. the gates are
kept shut in the kings name. and his
majesty does not like his subjects rest
being disturbed" answered another
voice. and from its tone and infection
guessed il was that of an officer.
in that case, monsieur" said, "let
me in so that we may both 20 to our
beds. and thousand apologies for dis
turbing you. My servant is already at
the Grand Cert, and one man cannot
take Rouvres."
Then you are that N. de Preaulx of
the Anjoumois. whose lnckey Jacques
Bisson arrived last night--for 1t is
morning now?"
"You keep good watch. monsieur, who
else should / be?" / said with an in
ward thank heaven" at the accident
that had discovered to me my new
name.
There was no reply for moment,
though heard some one laughing, and
the rays Of the light were cast to the
right and to the left OF me to see that
] was really alone. Finally orders were
given for my admission. The gates
went open with creaking, and was
within Rouvres.
As ! rode in l stopped to thank the
officer for his courtesy. and the light
being very clear he observed my con-
dition. and exclaimed: "Diablei But
you have ridden far, monsieur, and with
led horse, tool"
II ride in the king name, monsieur"
4 s,asal{~d lfAAl~