Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-03-27

CHAPTER T

1t was just after the close Of some
what sultry spring day, when the Count
Louis Artois took his way along the
lonely and gloomy path leading through
the very heart Of deep forest lying to-
wards the south of France, and not far
from the beautiful windings of the Rhone.
He was young certainly not more than
five-an t-twenty; of sligst and elegant
figure, yet with nerves and sinews that
might have well become many a one Of
stOuter frame and broader shoulders;
with a fine head, a proud and noble brow,
abont which curled silken masses of ra-
ven hair: dark, earnest hazel eyes,
slightly aquiline nose. and lips somewhat
compressed, shaded by curling NOUS
tache, and showing, at a glance, the firm
ness and decision of his character. The
whole eountenance, with its delicate, fine
ly cut, yet noble features, told Of thought,
and energy, and power, no less than Of
the gentlest and tenderest feelings with
which the human heart is gifted.
Count Louis rode carelessly onward,
thinking of many things-some that were
pleasant and some that were sad, and
some, again, that were both; now his
father, whom he had last seen, some
weeks before, at Paris; now Of his uncle,
the Marquis lie Montauban, whom he
was about to visit, and his fair cousin,
Helen. whom he already imagined as
watching for him. Lo;'is could have inn
agined his magnifieerc cousin Helen as
queen or a duchess, but his Whenever.
Yet he liked heF--he had always liked her
from boyhood, in cousinly way. She
was beautiful, graceful and accomplished,
too. as far as it was possible TO become,
in those days; but he had never thought
of her in a nearer position than that
which she held at present.
Suddenly broad, vivid flashes of light
ming lii up the forest all about him and
with almost the distinctness of MONDAY
he saw clearly, alta little distance beyoad
his horses head. a human figure, creeping
Oat on all tours, from beneath the uu-
derbrush that skirted the pathway. Al
most inyoluntarily he drew rein, and, in
the pitchy blaekness that succeeded the
flash. endeayored to discern the figure
again; but this was impossible. Yet he
was conscious that it must be near him
almost at his very side. With quick
but quiet motion, he placed his hand ii.
his bosom. Then he was conscious of
another hand laid upon his knee, while
a mans voice, in low but friendly tone,
and close beside him, said:
Count Louis d Artois, you are in dan
ger. Pause moment"
"And where tests the dangerY asked
Louis. firmly.
Beyond you, monsieur, and behind as
well. and on each side. You cannot es-
cape it. even il you would, except By
your own courage. and your own
strength and agility. which. know. have
served you ere now. 1 have heard that
you are on your way through this forest
tonight to your uncle's chateau; that you
carry about your person a considerable
SUN Of money, besides some few jewels
of heavy value. which you bear within a
small casket, in the inner folds Of the
broad sash about your waist. and that
your valet you left at the inn this morn
ing. Thus you are fitting prey for those
who fred'.rnr these places"
A feeling of the profoundest astonish-
ment took possession of the count.
Who are you,H he asked, who knows
all this so well?''>
Il am your friend. Monsieur Louis,
y
said the man. But, in the meantime
take these and defend yourself with
them, as you will have need in a little
while after you have parted with me-
And Louis felt brace of heavy pistols
placed in his hand.
My good fellow, have arms already
I do not need them" he returned,
though | thank you for them sincere
ly."
But you do need them. monsieur, as
you will shortly find. for your own, safe
as you think them, have had the charges
withdrawn"
How uttered the count, in surprise.
1T is even as l tell you. If was done
at Cet9igny this morning. after you your
self had charged them Thes which /
have given you will do you good service,
and with them do not fear for you. al.
though there is danger about YOU. Be
wary, and act with your usual bravery
and caimness wher the danger comes.
1t is not far of"
And so | am to be waylaid?" asked
Louis.
Think the worst: ii is the safest way,
for then you will be better prepared for
whatever chance presents itself"
at is well. l think you for your warn
ing, and will endeayor to be ready"
At that instant, another broad sheet Of
lightning quivered like flame, and I.oui.
beheId the person whom he addressed "a
man OF middling size. with bushy dark
hair, a wild unc0mbcd benrd, and q
heavy moustache; wearing rough jacket
and broad sash with long ends. within
the folds of which were stuck a brace OF
pistols similar TO those which Louis now
held in his own hand. His head was un,
covered. so that the lightning displayed
his features clearly.
Good" said Louis. II shall not be
likely to forget your tace in hurry. ms
friend. Let me thank you again for your
timely assistance"
'Nay--keep your thanks. monsieur
keep your thanks until the danger b,
past" returned the man, quietly Il oni,
hope You may get safely through this
and that | may be at hand when you nee,
warning again. Good night
Louis continued his way with strangel!
mixed feelings of wonder at what has
Just occurred, together with some degrc,
OF apprehension aud curiosity as TO III,
danger which mcnaced him. Nothing il
the shape of danger appear ii, aud for
perhaps, the space IT fifteen minutes
he was kept in suspense. But. sudden
ly, branch above his hesd WINS bent an,
cracked sharply, aud while Roland. at
frighted, reared violently, and almost TN
seated his rider. the lightning fashe,
again and the figure Of man swunl
lightly down from the branch TO the path
way. \ strong hand seized koland's hri