Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-06-18

pacified him with q ginger nut, and
then we took our way slowly, but with
great content, toward the palace.
CHAPTER II.
THE EMBAssADoR's WAGER.
Az I walked on. however, my mind
was working like clock. Lorgnac's
agitated manner, his strange words at
our parting, the presence Of Conde IN
Paris, the fact of his being spied upon
by the Spanish embassy and by such
an agent as D'Aramon, all these point
ed to some mystery. My curiosity was
excited to the highest pitch. At that
time no man in Paris was as eager as
to poke his nose into matters that did
not concern him. And now that I am
speaking Of myself / might as well de-
scribe myself as I was then. I was
tall and slightly built, but strong and
active as cat. Ny features were
sharp and pointed, so that at college l
got the unenviable nickname Of the
Hatchet. The mention Of this always
led to trouble, sometimes for me, some
times for my tormentors. But the
name had dropped into oblivion since
had come to mans estate, although my
sharp features remained.
In the meantime there was this mys-
terry to be solved, and was determin-
ed to get at the bottom Of the well. 1t
was clear that it was political mat
ter, and then-I looked around me and
saw that l was near q most inviting
looking seat, where the branches Of
fallen tree spread out like an easy
chair. My companion, whose percep-
ton in matters Of this nature was even
keener than mine, was already there.
and, following Pompon's example,
settled myself down to unravel the
skeins of the puzzle.
l had not been there above half an
hour, during which l made but little
progress. when I heard my name call
ed out and saw Lorgnac walking to-
ward me with hasty steps.
"Well," he said as be came up to me,
shave you seen any one?
] did not exactly like to give away
my nuts for nothing, but / swear that
had | known how matters stood
would not have played with him as
did, but have spoken out at once. AS
it was, answered:
Cabbage for cabbage, Lorgnac. Tell
me your secret and I'll tell you mine."
"AIy secret is not my Own," he an
swered.
"Nor, 1 suppose, Is mine, and 1 am
growing old and wise. You remember
the proverb-a close mouth catches no
fies."
He stamped impatiently. "Look
here, LIE BrusqLet, it you have seen
any one let me know who 1t Is! II the
prince has been spied upon and seen,
there will be frightful disaster un-
less we can prevent it; not only disas-
ter for him, but for He stopped,
hesitating, and lifted my hand.
"Do not give away your secret. Sit
down and let US talk, and I'll tell you
what have seen."
He took q seat beside me, and went
on.
"You see, I am going to tell you In
my own way. But first must ask
you question"
"And that is?"
"Why are you, cadet OF the regl'
mept Of Aunis, not with the army"
He blushed little and stammered:
1.-THE peace of Vaucelles still stands"
"And yet we are fortifying Marien'
bourg and Rocroy, and the admiral II
levying forces openly in PicardyP
"What has this to do with the matter
in handr
"Wait and see. will not be long
now In coming to my point"
"Then come to it! tell you every
moment Is Of import"
"Hasten slowly, Lorgnac! I have told
you what we are doing. And now for
the others. If there is war, we will
have Spain and England against US, for
Mary of England will side with her
husband"
"Yes-yes"
"Well, mon ami! You are aware that
England Is open to attack from Scot
land. You are aware, too, that the Car
dinal Beaton and large embassy are
coming to France. You can see that an
alliance between France and Scotland
say II the dauphin were to wed the
young queen Of Scots-would make us
strong"
"Yes." His voice was very grave.
My thoughts had run far beyond my
speech by this, and I began to tremble
at the end to which they were leading
me. I, who had begun this talk In an
Idle spirit Of mischief. was now being
pricked by my own pins.
For q moment I remained silent, anu
Lorgnac's hand closed upon my arm
like wise.
"G0 onp he said, his voice husky. he
seemed to be moved powerfully BY
some inward feeling.
"Well, 1t would be great thing Tor
Spain to prevent such a marriage
would 1t notT
He said nothing. but kept staring at
me, and went on:
"And now, Lorgnac"-my own words
came slowly and painfully--"suppose
that the Spaniard could show there was
truth in q story that was whispered
here and there some weeks ago, there
would be scandal, and that marriage
could not be-"
"What do you meanr His hand drop
ped from my arm as he spoke. He pre-
tended not to understand, though ne
knew well enough. He rose from his