The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1899-03-31

hind. It was my intention to seek de
Belin, to ask him to find out If l was
in any danger owing to last nights
folly or misadventure-call it what you
will and to beg his advice on the
course l was to pursue.
had been recognized by d'Ayen. My
name was known to those with him,
and any trouble with the hotel de Vile
meant hopeless disaster. l had almost
made up my mind to conceal myself
somewhere until the day of fight, but
before taking any action thought it
advisable to consult my friend. and to
return Ravaillac to his service.
Imagine my disappointment when
reaching his hotel to find that Belin was
out! WALTON begged me to wait, ex-
planning that his master had been alb
would be but a matter of minutes. He
had supped out the night before with
de Vitry, the captain of the Scots
guards, and NJ. lie Grand, had come back
late, and gone forth very early in the
morning, and it was now full time he
was back.
I determined therefore to wait,
though every moment was of impor-
lance to me, and after half hour of pa
thence in an easy chair rose and walked
towards the window to while away the
time by watching what was going on
below. One of the heavy brocade cur
tains was half drawn, and without
thinking of it came up towards that
side, and looked out from behind it's
cover. 1t struck me as strange that
my horse was within the gate, instead
of being within the courtyard, and
Ravaillac, with the reins thrown over
his shoulder. was engaged in converse
with a cavalier whose back was turned
to me, and whose head was entirely con-
cealed by his broad-brimmed hat and
long plumes.
But the tall, straight figure, with
it's stretch of shoulder, could not be
mistaken. It was de Gomeron to a
certainty, and my doubts on the point
were soon at rest. Keeping as far as
possible within the shadow of the
curtain, I watched them for full five
minutes whilst they conversed to-
gether earnestly, and then something
changed hands between them. Finally,
the cavalier left Ravaillac with a nod
to his salute, and crossed over to the
other side of the road, where mount
ed lackey was holding his horse. AS
he gained the saddle, he turned his face
toward me for an instant. There was
no shadow of doubt left. It was de
Gomeron, and it was clear that there
was more between the free lance and
Ravaillac than there should be, and
also, was convinced, I know not how,
that what had passed between them
touched me, and was not for my good.
What object the man had to play traitor
I cannot say, but do know that there
ere some natures to whom double deal
ing is as their skin, and whom moth
ing can turn from falsehood and chi;
cane.
Be this as it may, 1 knew, at any
rate, the grass where one viper lay, and
made up my mind to blunt his fangs
without any further delay. I gave de
Belin another half-hour. and then, call
ing Vallon, left message with him,
begging my friend to see me at my
lodging On n matter of the utmost
moment. AS soon as 1 was IN the
saddle I bent forward, and, looking
Ravaillac full in the face. said: "My
friend, you have too many acquaint-
ances for my services. I return you
from this moment to monsieur lie
compile"
made short cut down a side street,
and in so doing, had an opportunity of
taking a last look at my man. He was
standing talking to Vallon, and moving
his hands in my direction.
"Reeling out lies by the dozen,"
muttered to myself. "If I mistake not
there will be another place lost to you
by sundown."
Ilet myself in by the stable entrance,
and after attending to Couronne en-
tered the house. There was apparently
not a soul within. 1 sought the lower
apartments in the hope of finding either
the notary or his wife. to explain to
them my action in regard to Ravaillac;
but neither of them was visible. There
was no answer to my call. There could
not be a soul in the house.
lTo BE Continued