Owingsville outlook. [volume] (Owingsville, Ky.) 1879-192?, 1899-04-20


In Pantin closed il again rapidly, whilst
jacques seized my hand in his, and
then, letting il go, gamholled about like
great dog that has Just found its mas
ter.
noticed, however, at the first glance
I took around, that both pantin and
Jacques were fully dressed, late as il
was, and that the notary was very pale,
and the hand in which he held Il lantern
was visibly trembling.
Monsieur" he began, and then
stopped. but understood the question
in his voice and answered at once:
"Puntin, have come back To freeh cr
come back almost from the dead"
Then, monsieur. there are those here
who can help you still had thought
YOU brought the worst news" and lac
looked at me where | stood. soilcd and
wet. This way, NJ. lie Che,alier," he
continued.
"In a moment, Pantin," cut in Dame
Annette's voice, and the good woman
came up to me with tlaeon of warmed
wine in her hand.
Take this first, chevalier, It's Maitrc
Pantin's nightcap; but ! do not think
he will need it this night. tod Ice
thanked you have come back safe"
wrung her hand and drained the
wine at draught, and then, with Pan
lin ahead. holding his lantern aloft, we
assembled the stairs that led to my apart
ments. Aswe went up asked Jacques:
Did you manage the business?"
YES, monsieur; and Marie and her
father are both safe at Auriac. | rode
reached here but this afternoon; and
then, monsieur, | heard what had hap
pened, and gave You up for lost"
At this iuncture we reached the small
landing near the sitting-room | had
occupied. and Pantin, without further
ceremony, flung open the door, and an
nounced me 10y name. stepped in, with
some surprise, the others crowding
after me, and at the first glance recog
nized To my astonishmcnt 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 ont:
"Arnidieu. You are back. Palm
take heart, man. He would never have
come back alone"
The last words struck me liln blow.
and my confusion was increased by the
demeanor of Palm. who gave no sign
of recognition, and there ! stood IN the
midst of them fumbling with the bilt of
my sword. and facing the still motiC,r
less figure before me, the light of the
candles falling on the stern, drawn fea
lures of the Iluguenot.
My forehead grew hot with shame
and anger, as looked from one TO an
other, and then, like criminal before
a judge, faced the old man and told
him exactly what had happened-alI
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 cxcla-
nation my story was heard in stiffness
10 its bitter end. For a 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 j could say nothing save NUT
ter:
Il dbl what 1 scouid."A
The one eve lamb of the fold-the
last and the best beloved" he said, as il
speaking to himself. and then in a sud
den fury he sprang 10 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."
81 have had enough OF patience and
enough of trusting Others" and the
liuguenot shook off the hand and looked
ut me with a scowl. Come. NJ. d. Au-
riac. if YOU would make amends. lead
me 10 this Toison dor and we will see
what an old arm can do"
81 am ready" answered.
But Belin again interfHred.
"Messieurs, this is malness - from
what ! have gathered. d'Auriac will
prove but blind guide eack--we are
not, moreover, sure that madame is
there-sit still here, you Palin-neither
YOU nor d'Auriac are Git TO think. Fore
Cad! II was lucky thought Of This for
our meeting place tonight, Palin-sit
still and let me think"
Il can think well enough" | cut In.
"and | have my plan; but should
like 10 ask n question or two before
speak"
And these questions are?"
81 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 marshaIs guards. run
through the heart" answered de Belin.
Then of course il am seen am In
danger?"
~ miracle only could save you. The
king is enraged beyond measure. and
swears he will let the edict go i'm its full
force against you. The camarguei' has
made fine story Of it. saying how he
tried TO stop the abduction, but failed
in the attempt"
I'm short. then. Il would ruin all
chances If we adopt Maitre Palms sug
gestion."
"Sou are saving me the trouble of
thinking"
again" 7 went on, .'it is not certain
II madame is still at the Toison dos,
and apart from that I doubt IL could
find my way back there tonight, unless
anyone could guide me-" and looked
at the Pantins, who shook their heads
sorrowfully.
tTo RE CONTINUED
------------
short Flights.
The man who works ior his father.
in-law is sure of n steady job.