The Holly chieftain., 1899-03-17


hear about a NJ. de Gomeron? II that
is true it ends the natter
got up as spoke and began to pace
the room in my excitement.
Had been twenty years younger,
VI. d'Auriac. | would have pnraded you
for what you have said; but my cloth
and my age forbid it. My age. not be-
cause it has weakened my arm. but be-
cause it has taught me to think. My
young friend. you are fool
II know have been" | said, bitterly.
but shall be no longer"
.And in saying SO confirm yourself
in your folly. Are you so beside your
self that you condemn unheard! Sit
down, man. and hear what have to
say. 1t will not keep you long. You
can leave Paris five minutes after, II
you like"
came back to my seat and Palm con-
tinued:
"You appear to be offended at Mad
anne de Ia Bidache's coming to Paris?"
Il am not offended have no right
to be-"
well. it will interest you to hear
that her coming to Paris was forced.
That practically we are prisoners"
You mean 10 say that he-the king
has gone as far as that!"
II mean what ! say-madame cannot
leave her hotel, except to go to the
Louvre, without his permission"
But this is infamous."
in an almost similar case this was
! what the daughter of De Couvres said,
and yet she died Duchess de Beaufort.
But are you satisfied now?"
81 am," ! said, in low tone, and then
with an effort, but there is still the
ether matter"
You are exacting-are you sure you
have a right to ask that?"
II have no right. but if it is true it
means that the affair is at an end"
''If it is true?"
'Then it is not?" My heart began to
beat faster.
II did not say so. Remember that
the alternative is NJ. lie Baron d'Ayen."
There is another"
And that is?'
Death"
I'VE are Huguenots." he answered,
| coldly, land believe in the word of God.
| We do not kill our souls"
Great Heavens. man! Tell me il il is
true or not? Do not draw this ont. In
so many words, is Nine. de la Bidache
| pledged to de Gomeron?"
Most certainly not, but Biron and
her nearest relative. Tremouille. have
nrf,a1 IL g1 lar uS pf no
| She has, however, given no answer"
"Then De Belin was wrong?"
III you mean that Compte de Belin
said so, then he had no authority for
the statement
Palm" l said, "you were right.
am a fool.'
"You are" he answered, exactly
what your father was before you at
your age"
MY father-you knew him?'
"Yes-Raoul de Breuil. sire d'Auriac
and governor of Provence. We were
friends in the old days. and owed him
my life once, as did also Henry the
Great, our king and master, in the day S
of his youth
"And you never told me this?"
Il have told you now. / owe the
house of Auriac my life twice over, and
l recognize in this, as in all things, the
hand of God. Young man, l have
watched you. and you are worthy. Be
| of good courage" lie stretched out his
hand and grasped it in silence.
"See here" he continued, II have
come to you like thief in the twilight.
! because l have that to say which is for
you alone. 1t is useless TO appeal to the
| king. Our only chance is flight, and we
have no one to rely on but you. Will
you help us-help madame?"
"Why need to ask? Have not al
ready said SO? Am not ready to die,
| ii need be, to save her?"
you are now," he said. "but will
not press that point. Then we, or
rather l. can count on you?"
ITO the end of my sword; but does
| not madame know of this?"
"Not yet. Should it fall through.
there would be only another bitter dis
appointment for her. 1t is, moreover.
an idea that has but shaped itself with
| me to-day"
Where do you propose going?"
ITO Switzerland. There we would be
safe, and there they are OF our faith"
Remember, Maitre Palm, that am
not"
Look into your own heart and tell
me that again at another time. Can you
| count on sword or two?"
If Jacques were only here!" l ex-
claimed. And then, remembering my
new mans reputation: They say
Ravaillac is good, and have friend"
i bethought me of Belin-"upon
whom think can rely"
Better one blade of steel than two of
soft iron, chevalier. We must do what
we can with what we have"
when do you propose starting?"
"On the night of the fete at the
Louvre"
"And we meet?"
"Under the three lines in the Tuile-
ries at Compline."
Il have but one horse at present-we
must have more"
That is not hard. l will settle that
with Pantin. He knews the spot exact
ly and will have horses in readiness and
guide you there, if need be-
81 know it, too, and will not fail you.
God grant us success"
"Amen!"
There was silence of moment, and