Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-08-22

on the steps behind me, between me
and the river. had fallen into a
trap. Indeed, there was nothing for II
now hut to do as madame had bidder
me, and play the man boldly. had
the words still ringing in my veins to
give nerve and daring. l folded my
arms and drew myself up.
"knaves." / said, With as much quiet.
contempt as could muster, you mis-
take me- You do not know whom YOU
have to deal with. Get me boat and
let two of you row me across. Hinder
me, and your necks shall answer for il
or your backs"
a laugh and an oath of derisior
formed the only response, and before
] could add more the larger group ar
rived, and joined the three.
Who is it, I'ierre?" asked one OF
these in IL matter-of- fact way. which
showed | had not fallen amongst mere
thieves.
The speaker seemed to be the leader
OF the band He had a feather in his
bonnet, and l saw 4 steel corselet CLEAN
under his cloak, when some one held up
q anthorn to examine me the better.
His trunk those were striped with black,
white and green-the livery as i
learned afterwards of monsieur the
kings brother. the duke of Aniou, aft
erwards Henry the Third; then close
friend of the duke of Guise, and later
his murderer.
The captain spoke with a foreign ac-
cent, and his complexion was dark to
swarthiness. His eyes sparkled and
flashed like black beads. 1t was easy
to see that he was an Italian.
"A gallant young cock enough" the
soldier who whistled answered. Not
quite of the breed we expected. He
held his lanthorn toward ME and point
ed to the white badge on my Sleeve
lit strikes me we have caught a crow
instead of a pigeon"
"Eow comes this?" the Italian asked
harshly. addressing me. "Mho are YOU:
And why do you wish TO cross the river
at this time of night, young SIR?
l acted on the inspiration of the mo.
ment. play the man bolly," madame
had said. | would: and | did With q
Vengeance / sprang forward and
Selling the captain by the clasp of his
cloak, shook him Violently, and flung
~him off With all my force. so that he
Freeled. Dog" I exclaimed, advanc
4 ing, as if l would seize him again
Learn how to speak to your betters
Am ] to he stopped by such sweeping:
as you? Hank We, i ann on the king
| serNice.''
He fairly spluttered with rage. Nor,
4 like the devil's." he exclaimed. pro
I
fumbling vainly for his weapon
Kings service or no service. YOU d.
not insult Andrea Pallavincini,"
/ could only vindieate my daring b,
greater daring. and l saw this even as
death staring me in tho face. my hear
\ seemed TO stop. The man had his moutl
open and his hand raised to give al
order which would certainly have sen
1 Anne de Caylus from thn world, when
| cried, passionateN-it was my las
chance. and / never wished to liv
more strongly than at that moment
cried passionately: ANDREA Pallavi
cini, if such be your name, look at that
Look at that" | repeated, shaking m
open hand With the ring on it befor
his face. land then hinder me. If yo
dare. Tomorrow, if you have quarter
ings enough. / will see to your quarrel
IiNow send me on my way or your fat
be on your own head! Disobey d
but hesitate-and / will cali on thes
verv men of yours to cut you down"
II was a bold throw. for staked a
on talisman of which ] did not kno
the value! To ME ii was the turn of
die, for ] had had no leisure to look 6
the ring, and knew no more than bal
whose 1t was. But the venture was .
happy as desperate.
CONTINUED Next Week)