The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-02-24

lifted myself slowly-there was but an
inch or so to hold on to-and at last
found a crevice in which could put
the point of my boot. This was enough
for me to change my hold to the next
higher monogram, and finally ] came
to a level with the parapet of the ter
race. Here was difficulty. Every time
+ stretched my hand out to grasp the
parapet I found that could not each
over. and that my fingers slipped OFF
from the slime and moss on the stones
Three times l made the 4attempt, and
swung back three times, until began
to feel that the effort was beyond me.
There was, however, one chance, and,
quietly thrusting my boot forward,
began to feel amidst the ivy for pos
sible foothold. and to my delight found
it rest at once on small projecting
ledge that ran around the terrace. The
remainder of my task was easy, and
the next moment found myself lying
fat on my face beneath the oriel win
dow.
Here paused to recover myself, peer
ing down at Nicholas, who was making
an attempt to raise himself by his
hands to reach the monograms and
climb to me. STEADY" l whispered,
land catch this" Rapidly unwinding
silken sash wore round: my waist, in
the fashion had learned when serving
in Spain, dropped one end toward him,
and after a moment or two he managed
to seize it. Then looped fold of the
elk around buttress of the parapet,
and holding on to the other end told
Nicholas to climb.
Nov for the window" said. II will
rise slowly and find out what I can.
You keep your pistol ready, and your
eyes open-do not rise, and remember
my orders"
"There is a broken pane to the left, it
is half hidden by the curtain-you can
hear and see from there"
AS he said this I rose softly to my feet
and, finding the broken pane without
any difficulty, peered in.
The room was bright with the light of
candles, and, at table, covered with
papers, were seated two men, whilst
third was standing, and pointing with
his fingers at scroll. In the man with
his back to me I had no difficulty in
recognizing de Gomeron. the one look.
ing toward me was assuredly Biron, for
his was a face that once seen could
never be forgotten. AS for the man who
was standing beside him, 1 knew him
not, though subsequently-but antic-
ipate.
Biron was evidently in high state
of excitement. He was biting at the end
of his dark mustache, and the fingers
of his hand were playing nervously with
the star on his breast, whilst his shifty,
treacherous eyes were turning now on
de Gomeron, now on the figure stand
ing at his elbow. He seemed to be hest
tating, and heard de Gomeron say:
This is my price-not money, not
land, not title. but only few words.
You have each one. my lord, your share
OF the spoils set down in writing. do
not want so much even-all l ask is
your word of honor to favor my suit
with the king. For me the word of
Biron is enough, and / know his majes-
ty can refuse you nothing"
my God!" exclaimed Biron, and
writhed in his chair.
'The marshal might give me the
promise seek, Lafin," and de Gomeron
turned to the man who was standing at
Biron's elbow, 1.-THE word will give me
wife, not much of reward"
"And the lands of Bidache and Pc
luuse-eh?"
almost fell forwards in my eager
ness to hear, and only checked myself
in time.
Exactly" sneered de Gomeron. 'sDo
you think have risked my life for the
good Of my health? See here, cheva-
lier." and he bent forward and whis-
pered q word or so that made the other
pale. and then de Gomeron leaned back
in his chair and smiled. Biron did not
apparently see or hear. his forehead
was resting on his clasped hands, and
he seemed to be revolving the hazard
of some great step.s AS for me, thought
I caught the words. your instant
help" followed by "lances" and "pow-
en-" and guessed was not wrong
that the captain had forced Lafin's
hand.
my dear de Gomeron," he said, "the
marshal is willing enough. but you
know the common talk, that the king
has other views for madame, and that |
NJ. D'Ayen-" But Biron interposed.
M. de Gomeron. you ask too much
Nine. de Ia Bidache is of the first nobil- |
ity. Tremouille was my friend. It is |
too much"