The St. Louis Republic., 1901-11-17

GeEeVleVe. We are sure we so long 10 us
settled in a home. Here no one knows
what may happen
gleam of joy flashed across Sylvestre'
face. THAT is true, Mesdames," he said
Perhaps good things may happen. but we
will not talk of that. How soon can you
be ready to start?"
"Oh, in day or two" said my aunt I'VE
have not much to take with us, Syivestre."
That is fortunate" he answered grave
ly THE less the better. The Commune Is
very watchful now. and would soon scent
out our intentions if we made much show.
will make inquiries about the boats, and
do you gradually. Mesdames. get ready
what things you wish to take with you. The
summons may come suddenly. and IL would
not do to seem hurried in any way. There
is an old house quite at the end of the quay.
Do you know it, Mademo;selle?''
Yes" 1 answered. Il think know. 1t
leans over. almost as II 1t would fall into
the water some stormy night"
Just so. Mere sa.teau lives there. and
she will take charge Of any packages. 1t
might be as well for me to come up some
evening and carry down what is ready and
store 1t there to be loaded with the other
cargo"
| All that day We were as busy we dared
TO be. preparing for our flight. At 10 o'clock
! we crept to my aunt's chamber and sat to-
gether there. fearing to burn a candle in
the salon. lest some gleam Of light should
attract attention.
I think 1 have said that from the back
of the house a steep path led right down
onto the quay. and 1t was this way We had
| planned to take, so avoiding the more pub
| lie street. where any chance travellers might
wonder to see US out so late at night.
We crept out into the night. and then 1t
was that our true difficulties began. for it
was very dark and the wind was boisterous.
| and my two aunts were unused TO walking.
I especially on a rough, steep track in the
! obscurity Of the night As We were about
half way down the path We heard the low
cry of the chouette, always the signal
among our friends. and on our answering,
Sylvestre. to my great Joy. slipped out from
| some shadowed spot and softly greeted u.s.
At last we reached the little quay, and
then could see the dark masts and half
raised sails Of the boats swaying dimly
against the clouded sky. The water was
tapping restlessly against the worn stones,
and We could hear the plunge of the waves
outside the harbOr. 1t would be. I felt
sure. a rough night By the light OF Ian
tern we could see one or two dark figures
going to and fro between the old house and
where our possessions had been gradually
stored, and the vessel which was moored
Just opposite to IT. Sylvestre led the way
as quickly as he could get my aunt along.
Now" he said In whisper. as he came
to plank laid from the quay to the gun
vale of the boat, where also a man stood
cautiously throwing the light Of his lantern
onto the narrow path, Madame must per-
nit me-" and without waiting a reply. he
lifted my aunt in his arms, carried her
along the plank and placed her at the top
of the steps leading to the door Of the cab
In, and then back almost instantaneously
for Madame de Tourelles, and she. too. was
transferred to the deck of the vessel. But
just as he was returning I suddenly heard
a step behind me. felt hand laid heavily
on my shoulder. and voice knew we'll
oh, only too well-cried in loud. harsh
tones: II arrest you in the name of the
Republic One and Indivisible!''
/ wrested myself from under the hand
with a cry for help. and sDrang onto the
plank. But remembered Pierre was still
on the quay. and l turned back. In the
dmness 1 could just see the figures Of three |
strange men. two of whom had siezed |
Pierre. / rushed toward him with the wild !
idea of assisting him to escape, but fortu- |
nately there was help near Of a better Sort |
A loud whistle sounded through the dark |
ness and a dozen dark forms sprang to- |
ward U.S. some from the vessel, some from
the house. some from another little vessel
moored behind us. Pierre and hurried on |
board while scuffie took place among the |
others-shouts. curses. blows. pistol shots |
amid which / heard voice giving short. |
sharp commands 10 Bring him along" and |
then to Cast off the ropes" We were all |
four unceremoniousy fuddled into the tiny |
cabin, where We stood clinging to one an
other in the darkness. terrified. with beat
ing hearts and quick-coming breath. while
We heard the tramp Of feet. the rattle ana
scream of cordage, the shouts OF men, ana
then a great lurch threw US one way. a sec
ond threw us the other We heard the russ.
ing of water, the wailing of the wind, and
felt our vessel breasting the waves outside
the harbor.
I'VE are safey exclaimed Pierre. Thanks
be to God, We are safer
what was itTr gasped my aunt. who
was it? Was there fight or what?"
1T was Fargeau." 1 said Il knew his
voice. He must have watched US, and
meant to arrest us just as We were escap-
Ing"
HE meant to arrest you." said Pierre.
'That was plain enough"
"And you," 1 answered. But what have
they done to him?'
Pierre shook his head.
"See mes tantes," said. ''You must lie
down. Lie down and try to Sleep"
'Sleepr' exclaimed my aunt Sleep!
Dieu mercii What is the child thinking of?
Sleep. oh. Ciel.' as great roll Of the ves-
sci flung US all against one another. Mon
enfant. we shall never survive this night. 1t
is impossible. Ahr' another great plunge.
''Helas! Would 1t not have been better to
be guillotined? At least we should have died
dry"
1t was indeed a terrible night, . night
which will ever live in my recollection.
With difficulty at last We persuaded my
poor aunts to lie down in the berths. but
even thus the rolling and tossing Of the 1T
tie vessel made them both terribly iii.
Monsieur Fargeau," said to Sylvestrc.
''wfat became Of him7'
"Oh, you shall know in the morning.
Mademoiselle." replied sylvestrs grimly.
I'VE have him safe"
"Safe-on board-here?'
1T would not have done well to leave him