Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-08-30

terest himself.
A companion in misery was along
side. Up to the present Charlie did
not know whether he were young or
old-all' he saw was that a man had
been showed in ahead of him.
So he leaned his head toward that
of his fellow-passenger and exclaimed
in French:
Monsieur, it seems that we are
companions in misery. Might | ask
your name?" giving his own at the
same time.
The other did not appear downcast
indeed, he answered, quite cheerful
ly:
Il am Henri, the Marquis of Mont
pensier, blood relative of Don Carlos
of Spain"
Further conversation was prevented
guards for silence.
At length they drew up to the pris-
on.
Without ceremony the two prison
ers were hustled into the jail.
Charlie silently walked into the
dark cell which yawned before him.
To have refused would have been fol-
ly, since by force he would doubtless
have been thrown over the thresh-
old
All! he might be worse Off
His cigar case still held a few
choice weeds, such as appeal most
strongly to the heart of the confirmed
smoker.
So he FASTENED to secure a cigar.
Next came a match.
AS he struck this latter and a light
sprang into existence he heard an ex-
clamation, and remembered he had
comrade in misery.
He saw a young chap with reso-
lutte face. There was more of an
American look about him than Euro
pean, and yet Charlie remembered
having heard him give the name of
Giuseppe Brignoli. as though he were
an Italian.
Pardon. comrade," Charlie said in
French. ALLOW me to light my weed,
since matches are scarce and then l
shall offer you a cigar" with which
he proceeded to put his words into
execution.
Thanks awfully, but | don't smoke"
said the other laconically in the best
of English.
The match expired before Charlie
could get another look at his comrade.
But he knew his first suspicion was
true-the young fellow came of An
glo-Saxon stock, and had assumed an
Italian name In order to keep his own
from disgrace or from some other rea-
son.
They might exchange condolences
while trying to pass away the long
hours, or at least engage in social dis
course.
Pardon me again, sir, but can you
spare a couple of matches?" asked
the other.
"Hal-a-dozen, at your service"
Thanks. They may serve my end
well and yours in the bargain"
Charles curiosity flashed up.
What did the other mean to do?
Was he desperate enough to think of
setting the prison on fire? Nonsensei
There was not one chance in a million
of accomplishing such a thing to men
shut up here in this grimy dungeon.
Nevertheless, he knew that nothing
was ever accomplished without effort,
and that often a capricious fortune
aids those who help themselves.
A cursory examination of their dun
geon revealed startling, yet cheer
ing. fact.
Under the boards the youngsters
discovered a tunnel.
When the fat stone was lifted up
behold an opening yawned below.
The youth gave thanks in his pc
culiar way, and without much more
ado jumped into the breach.
Il shall return, comrade," he said.
And Charlie believed him.
He sat there smoking his cigar and
feeding the flames with bits of the
splintered planking.
Minutes passed.
Evidently his companion was max
ing quite tour under the prison
flooring.
At last there was a movement, and
a head appeared above the stone flag
ging.
give me a hand, please"
Charlie knew from the look of tri-
umph upon his face that the other
was decidedly pleased with what he
had discovered.
I'm luck, eh?" he hazarded.