Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-07-18

\ The House of The Wolf,,,,,,&
X BY STANLEY j. WEYNAN Il


OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
~~~S~c~~~~NN~s~~r~> ~o~~~o~>~~~c
to his hand by the candlestick. Two
lackeys waited behind his chair, wear
Ing the badge we had remarked in the
inn yard.
We began to talk, speaking in low
tones that we might not disturb him.
The attack on Coligny had, If true, it's
bearing on our own business. For if a
Euguenot so great and famous and en-
joying the kings special favor still
went in Paris in danger of his life,
what must be the risk that such an one
as Pavannes ran? We had hoped to
find the city quiet. If instead it should
be IN state of turmoil Beers chances
We're 30 much the better: and ours
and Kits. poor Kit's-so much the
worse.
Our companion had by this time fin
lshed his supper. But he still sat at
table, and seemed to be regarding us
with some curiosity. AT length he
spoke. Are you going to Paris, young
gentlemen?" he asked, his tone harsh
and high-pitched.
We answered in the affirmative. "To-
morrow" he questioned.
Yes we answered.; and expected
MIN to continue the conversation. But
instead he became silent, gazing abb
stractedly at the table; and what with
our meal and our own talk, we had al
most forgotten him again, when, look
Ing up, I found him at my elbow, hold
Ing out in silence small piece of pa
per.
started--,lis face was SO grave.
But, seeing that there were half a doz-
en- guests of a meaner sort at another
table close by, guessed that he merely
wished to make a private communica-
ton to US, and hastened to take the
paper and read 1t. 1t contained a
scrawl of four words only:
Va chaser l'Idole'
No more. looked at him. puzzled;
able to make nothing out of 1t. ST.
Croix wrinkled his brow over it with
the same result. 1t was no good hand
Ing 1t to Marie. however
You do not understand" the stran-
ger continued. as he put the scrap of
paper back in his pouch.
NO, answered, shaking my head.
We had all risen out of respect to him,
and were standing in q little group
about him.
Just so: 1t is all right then" he an
swered. looking at us as 1t seemed to
me with grave good nature. ut is
nothing. Go your way. Butt have @
son yonder not much younger than you,
young gentleman. And IL you had UNI
derstood l should have said to you:
DO not go! There are enough sheep
for the shearer!"
He was turning away with this orac-
ular saying when Croisette touched his
Sleeve. Pray can you tell us II 1t be
true, the lad said. eagerly, that Adj
miral de Coligny was wounded yester-
day2"
1T is true" the other answered,
turning his grave eyes on his question
err, while for q moment his stern look
failed him. TT Is true, my boy" he
added, with an air Of strange solem-
nifty. Whom the Lord loveth, he
chasteneth. And. God forgive me for
saying 1t, whom he would destroy, he
first maketh mad"
He had gazed with peculiar favor at
Croisettes girlish face, i thought; Ma :
RE and l were dark and ugly by the
side of the boy. But he turned from
him now with q queer, excited gesture,
humping his gold headed cane on the
foo. He called his servants In loud
rasptng voice, and left the room in
seeming anger, driving them before
him, the one carrying his dag. and the
other two candles.
When came down early next morn
ing, the first person met was Blais-
Bure. He looked rather flercer and
more shabby by daylight than candle
light. But he saluted me respectfully;
and this, since 1t was clear that he did
not respect many people, inclined me to
regard him with favor 1t is always so
the more savage the dog, the moro
highly we prize Its attentions.
asked him who the Huguenot noble
was who had supped with us. For 4
Huguenot we knew he must be.
Baron de Rosny." he answered
man! If they were all like him. WITT
eyes on both sides Of his head and a
dag by his candle-well, my lord. there
would be one more king in France-ol
one less! But they are q blind lot; as
blind as bats He muttered some
thing farther in which / caught the
word tonight" But 1 did not hea.
it all; or understand any of it.
Your lordships are going to Paris? p
he resumed in a different tone When
l said that we were, he looked at me III
a shameful way. half tinid, half ar
rogant. II have small favor to ask
of you then" he said. II am going to
Paris myself. I am not afraid of odds
as you have seen. But the roads will
be in a queer state II there be anything
on foot in the city. and-well, l would
rather ride With you gentlemen thar
alone"
You are welcome to Join u.s." said
But we start In half an hour. Do you
know Paris well?"
AS we'll as my sword hilt," he re-
piled briskly, relieved ! thought by my
acquiescence. And | have known that
from my brceching. If you want a
game at paume, or pretty girl to kiss
can put you in the way for the one oil
the other"
The half-rustic shrinking from the
great city which / felt suggested to
me that our swash- buskling friend
might help US If he would. do you
know NJ. de Pavannes?" l asked i'm
pulsively. Where he lives in Paris,
mean?"
m. Louis de Pavannes?" quoth he.
Yes
Il know he replied slowly. rub
bling his chin and looking at the
ground in thought, where he had his
lodgings in town awhile ago. before
All! 1 do know! remember" he add
ed, slapping his thigh. when was ~
Paris fortnight ago was told thai
his steward had taken lodgings fsl
him In the Rue ST. Antoine"
Good" l answered, overjoyed
Then we want to dismount there !;
you can guide US straight to tn,
house"
II cam" he replied simply. And yol
will not be the worse for my company
Paris is queer place when there 1:
trouble to the fore. but your lordship,
have got the right man to pilot vol
through It,"
did not ask him what trouble ht
meant. but ran indoors to buckle OF
my sword, and tell Marie and Croisett'
of the ally 1 had secured. They were
much pleased, as was natural; SO tina
we took the road in excellent spirit:
intending to reach the city in the after
noon. But Marie's horse cast sho'
and it was some time before we coult