The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-07-07
S. LEvETT YEATS
...coPYRIGHT i0Oa ny s. LEvETT /,

TO get a better look at me. with an un-
speakable expression In his eyes. ! saw
De Ciermonts face grow cold and hard,
and he quietly put his horse betwesn
me and the, man. and, checking II slight
ly. stretched out the whip and touched n
not very clean white scarf the creature
wore over his shoulder. saying:
Your are trine too near Limoges TO
wear this. my man. Take my advice and
fling Il away
This is my AFFAIR" answered the man
insolently.
Precisely Captain Ia coquille. I spoke
but for your good. All. take care!' And
De Clermont's horse, no doubt secretly
touched by the spur. lashed out suddenly.
causing the man 10 spring back with an
oath and an exclamation OF;
You know mel Who the devil are
you?'
To this. however, De Clermont made no
answer, but as we passed on he returned
my whip 20 me, saying: II am glad
did not have 10 use II. 1t would have de-
prived you OF a pretty toy had done so.''
Thank you. Who Is that horrible man7
You called him by name"
Yes, La Coquille. i know him by sight,
though he does not know me- lie was
very near being crucified once and escaped
but by a fiuke. He Is a robber. thief and
perhaps a murderer. and
And whatY''
De Clermont reached forward and
brushed of an imaginary fly from his
horses ears.
And has something OF a history.
believe he was a gentleman once and
then went under-found his way 10 the
galleys. After that he was anything,
and perhaps / ought not TO tell you. but
In time he became De Lorgnac's SER
geant--his confidential man--and IL was
only his masters influence that saved hum
"A uvo Ian Ua Ira N
OF De Lorgnac. for the man knew too
many secrets and was getting dangerous.
/ hope / have not paAned you," he added
gently.
mot In the least" replied and rode
on. looking straight before me. So this
fidential servant, was perhaps still con-
nected with him I'm some OF his dark de-
signs. and then I said a bitter thing:
Like master, like man. Is that not the
adage, monsieur7' But as the words es-
capped me ! felt a keen regret
God help you. Denise.g heard De
Clermont murmur as IL 10 himself. and
then he turned abruptly from me ana
jointed Nine. de Termes. leaving me witn
a beating heart. for his words had come
10 me with O sense OF undying. hopeless
love in them, aud he was so brave, he
seemed so true and looked so handsome
that my heart went out In pity for him.
How the mind can move. In a moment
there rose before me thoughts OF a life
far different from the one to which 1
was doomed, and with them. came the
grim specters of the vows that bound me
forever and that / would have TO keep.
God help me- Yes, / needed help. De
Clermont was right.
We passed on, leaving the gang still
under the plane trees. and soon came
In view OF Ambazac. lying amid It's set
ting OF waving cornnelds. Here for
little time we suddenly missed De
Clermont and one OF his lackeys, and
both madame and I were much con-
cerned, for the same thought struck us
both that he had Jagged behind and
then gone of hot foot 10 punish la Co
guile. We were about 10 turn after
him when he came In sight, followed
by his man, and caught US up, riding
with a free rein. He perhaps saw the
inquiry I'm my look. for he said softly
to me, II went back to pick up a SOU
venir l had dropped" and his eye fell
on the lapel OF his coat. where my rose
was, a little. however. the worse for
wear. After that he did not speak 10
me- but kept by madame and devoted
himself 10 her with a delicacy for
which was grateful. for I felt want
ed all my thoughts for myself.
At Ambazac. which We reached after
a little, we found good accommodations
at large inn, although the town was
full, II being the fete OF st. Etienne de
Muret. and after taking some light re-
freshments madame and 1 retired TO
our apartments 10 rest until the supper
hour, for we were wearied. We supped
In the common hall, but at a small
table, a little apart from the others, and
De Clermont, who sat next to me, gave
madame an interesting account of the
defence OF Ambazac made BY her hus-
band against the Prince OF Condo. IL
was while he was detailing the Incl
dent OF this adventure that. with a great
Gathering and much loud talking, la
Coquille and his men entered the dining
room and began TO shout for food and
drink. Most OF the people in the inn.
being common country folk and un-
armed. made way for the crew with