The Holly chieftain., 1899-04-28

shChs AbOAbIGuis ACalo Waat AaQ AA4kS
pened, and gave you up for lost"
At this juncture we reached the small
landing near the sitting-room l had
occupied, and Pantin, without further
ceremony, flung open the door, and an
nounced rae by name. stepped in. with
some surprise, the others crowdiDg
after me. and at the first glance recog-
nized to my astonishment 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 moodily 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 out:
"Arnidieu! You are back! Palm,
take heart, man! He would never have
come back alone"
The last words struck me like 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 hilt Of
my sword, and facing the still motion
less figure before me. the light Of the
candles falling on the stern, drawn fes-
lures of the Hugucnot.
My forehead grew hot with shame
and anger, as Hooked from one to IN
other, and then, like criminal before
judge, 1 faced the old man and told
him exactly what had happened-ali
except one thing which kept back. At
the mention Of Rasaillac's name, and OF
his identity with the capuchin, the Wis
compte de Belin swore bitterly under
his mustache; and but for that excla-
nation my story was heard in stiffness
to Its bitter end. For moment one
might hnve heard pin fall, and then
Palm said: And you left her-there!"
The dry contempt of his manner stung
me; but could say nothing save nut.
ter:
II did what could"
'The one eve lamb OF the fold-the
last and the best beloved" he said, a. II
speaking to himself, and then in sud
den fury he sprang to 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 shoul-
der. Patience, Afaitre Palm pa
tience."
II have had enough of patience and
enough of trusting Others" and the
Huguenot shook off the hand and looked
at me with a scowl. Come, NJ. d. Au-
riac, ii you would make amends, lead
me to this Toison dor and we will sea
what an old arm can do" 5
II am ready" answered
But Belin again interfered.
"Messieurs, this is madness - from
what l have gathered, d'Auriac will
prove but blind guide back-we are
not. moreover, sure that madame is
| there-sit still here. you Pnlin-neither
you nor d'Aurac are fit to think. Fore
Cad! 1t was lucky thought of this for
our meeting place tonight. Palin-sit
still and let me think"
II can think well enough" l cut in,
"and I have my plan; but 1 should
like to ask question or two before ]
speak"
"And these questions are?"
II presume am suspected of this alb
duction?"
"And of more. Nom de Dien! Man!
your mare was found dead, and beside
her one of the marshars guards. run
through the heart" answered de Belin
''Tben of course If am seen am in
langer?"
"A miracle only could save you. The
king is enraged beyond measure, and
swears he will let the edict go in its full
force against you. The camarguer has
made fine story of it, saying how ne
tried TO stop the abduction. but failed
in the attempt"
"In short. then, it would ruin all
chances IL we adopt Maitre Palms sug-
gestion."
"You are saving me the trouble OF
thinking"
Again." l went on, at is not certain
IL madame is still nt the Toison dor,
and apart from that doubt If could
find my way back there tonight, unless
anyone could guide me-" and looked
at the Pantins. who shook their heads
sorrowfully.
tro RE Continued