The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1901-04-25

munlStlc orgies running riot on the
streets Immediately subsequent to the
Franco-Prussian war; but. with plenty
of provisions in his cellar, he philo-
sOphically closed the doors and win
dows, withdrew his sign of business,
and smoked his pipe contentcdly in
the seclusive companionship and fillal
love of Hortense.
One so pretty and piquant as she
could not be exempt from besieging
of lovers. The two most prominent of
these were her fathers graduating ap-
prenticcs Henri Edouin and Giuseppe
-"dark Giuseppe" and the baleful
eye" the latter was frequently appel
lated by his intimates, because of the
treacherous glance in his hard, black
orbs and n lurking smile forever fixed
about his lips.
To Henri, Hortense had long since
given her heart.
1t was quite late one night, when
Henri departed from the embrace of
his promised bride. AS Hortense re-
treated through the narrow doorway,
an unexpected form, like an apparition
from the gloom. confronted her.
"Guseppe!" she cried.
ut is l." he replied, calmly.
"Oh, you frightened me, Whence
come you so suddenly"
Prom close beside, girl. All, thou
coquet! A word. have heard all"
"A listener-you? Shame!"
Tell me--is it true indeed l need
hope no more to win you?"
You say you have heard all:"
Yes l am not deaf"
And you have seen, too?'
"Yes. | am not blind"
MUCH good may it do you, then, for
you are answered.
And, with the sharp speech. she
slammed the door in his face, angry ut
his having spied upon what was to her
sacred interview.
For many nights after that her
dreams were haunted by the baleful
eyes of dark Giuseppe, and in her
ears continually rang the fearful i'm
precation she heard him mutter.
coupled with the name of Henri
Edouln.
The favored lover was greatly sur
prised n few days later at receipt of
a communication from the Versailles
Government. 1t was delivered by an
entire stranger, who whispered these
six ominous words:
For your eyes only. Be discreetw
The sealed billet contained this:
Last dispatches by balloon ac-
knowledged. Inclosed herewith an
order for 500 francs, payable when
france Is redeemed from her enemies.
IN. Edouin, Paris"
Henri should have destroyed the
mysterious scrawl instantly. Instead.
he stood gazing at 1t in sheer amaze
ment, Eie had had nothing what
ever TO do with the Versailese, though
Nis heart was honestly with those
VINO struggled so nobly to save the
country from the doom of a bloody
anarchy.
me few moments stupefaction
proved his greatest misfortune.
There was peremptory tap at the
door.
Giuseppe entered, grinning Internal
ly; behind him dressed" three rufians
of the National Guard.
An, Monsieur Edouin! he said.
on is it you Guseppe?" replied
Henri
Giuseppe advanced with snaky
quickness, and ere Henri could anticj-
pate, snatched away the fatal paper.
tlourishing it aloft, he cried:
Away with him! See what hold
"a paper that will have him shot, un-
less greatly mistake" And Guiseppe
Missed maliciously into his rivals ear.
Il am now trusted spy of the Com
mune. Your death is certain. You
will never wed with Hortense Gull
eaun'
Unfortunate Henri was soon in pris-
on. He fully realized his danger, and
1t required but little reflection to CON
vince him of the foul trick played by
crafty Giuseppe.
The days of his confinement went
tediously by, while ever before him
Ioomed the horrid prospect of violent
death. Then Giuseppe confronted his
victim, and accompanying hlm--could
II be reality was Hortense.
bring to you CLEAN of sunlight,
monsieur Edouin," said the dark
proved villain, with grinning sarcasm.
henri sprang forward to embrace his
oetrothed; but Giuseppe lnterposed.
hoid! / did not bring her here for
iove-scene. Give ear to me. Minutes
ior iiehri Edouin are valuable. Judg-
ment Is to be given in your case with
IN the hour. You know what it will
De-death! l como to offer you life"
"YOur
ana pray, why not? | hold the
document that is to riddle you with
bullets. Say the word, and win de-
stroy 1t. / will retract my charge as
a stupid blunder."
What word shall / say?"
"Henceforth you will work and fpht
ON the side of the Commune. That
VIII save you--if l choose. Guiseppe
the SPY is quite another person than
Suiseppe, the bakers apprentice. Mon
ey ana influence both are mine now.
BESIDES, our prisons are cramminp
with too many hostages. Exchanges
are SLOW ana we need men. So, come,
nave your sworn word!"