Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-04-24

ing. But you speak as though you had
wished me to forget it,"
II was not over-desirous that you
should remember it." answered the man.
And why not? You are not sorry for
helping me, / trustp
'No, monsieur; nor unable or unwilling
either, for that matter, to help you again,
If you should need help. And my faith!
but | am afraid you will need aid most
sorely, if things prosper as they have be-
CUR" he added. in lower and half-mus-
ing tone.
What do you meanf queried the
eonnt. not a little puzzled.
What do / mean, monsieur? Why.
the fact is, if would be hard TO tell. How
do | know what is to happenl"
What was that muttering for, then2
What is your name? Tell me that 1t
cannot harm you"
1T is Jacques Leroux. monsieur"
Jacques Leroux well, shall remem-
Der now. But come. sit down on this
bank by the roadside moment. | wish
to talk with you"
Every well, monsieur. Only | warn
you. yon must not ask too many ques-
lions. 1t is enough that | was inclined
to help you that night. You must not
inquire too closely into the why and
wherefore Of the secrecy"
Let me ask what | please. Jacques.
You are not forced to answer, 4 you do
not like. In the first place, then, how did
you come to know all about the affair in
which | was engagedt'
THAT. monsieur, is one of the questions
which | must decline to answer"
why uid you conceive so great an in
terest in me--a Stranger
THAT | cannot tell. unless it was be-
cause l liked your appearance"
You had seen me before, Them?
u had seen you before, monsieur"
"Where-%henp
ut would do you no good to know"
"You are cool, Jacques. | see | shall
gain no satisfaction from you. But, at
least let me know TO what part of the
country you belong, and whether | shall
ever see you after this"
II am not conscious of belonging any
where in particular, monsieur, though one
may be apt to see me most generally in
this direction. | dare say we shall meet
very often, If you remain at the chateau
up there
"You spoke of my needing assistance
at a future day. Do you think it probable
that | shall?''
need help. you know; especially when
one has enemies. The old fable of the
lion and the. mouse is as useful to-day as
ever it was"
Where are my enemies? Who are
theyT'
"You know best, monsieur. whether you
have gained the ill-will of any one"
You mean-but no! What should you
know concerning that? YOU
Il mean. monsieur, to speak in so many
plain words, that ugly cousin of pretty
Rose Lamonle-Gasparde. | should
hardly dare to utter his name aoud, but
| know that he is not within earshot by
long way"
You do know, then, that he is my en-
envy"
AS far as jealousy can make him, mon
sieur. And though he is away now, it
does not follow that he may not harm
you some day. He did not fancy your
treatment of him the other day. But
now. monsieur, have fingered here long
enough | am going TO see Hugh La
monte.
sAhr' exclaimed the count; then you
know Hugh?'
Yes, monsieur. help him sometimes,
in his garden. He wants ME this morn
ing"
The young count pursued his way.
| thinking. with some curiosity, and not a
little perplexity, of his new acquaint-
| ance.
THAT accounts for it" he said to him
| self. He learned the story from Hugh.
| suppose. or overheard something But
wonder how he became acquainted with
the danger which was awaiting me that
night? However, | suppose | must not
trouble myself about it,
And Jacques pursued his route to the
dwelling Of Hugh Lamonte-of his chief.
For though Louis had no suspicion Of it
at present. this man was concerned
| though in no very important degree. with
! the very gang who had sent out men TO
waylay him in the forest. This was the
secret of his knowledge respecting their
| business.
60 be continued.l