The Holly chieftain., 1902-06-27

cause 70 re.-ct having done he vrons
thing" rs :,
Tho major smiled and bowed.
What you say is very true, mou-
sieut. but that liberty Of which you
speak expires whenever the person on
parole breaks his given word Of honor.
We have abundap. reason to believe
this party has done this unpardonabla
thing of conspiring with certain spies.
the enemies Of our country, to betray
our weakness to the Germans. rec
ognize the point your. make. m'sieur.
but 1t does not swerve me one iota
from the course mapped out for, my
observance. Unless you can produce
something stronger your friend must
return to his cell and stand before the
drumhead court"
Hildegarde had turned very white
at these woros. but she did not alto
gether lose hope.
The impatient countess, who secretly
feared Sir Noel. here uttered SEN
tence in a low tone. doubtless with the
Intention of Fastening action in the
game.
Immediately it shall be done" re-
turned the major, once more raising
his sword and half turning to address
his men. fa.
II trump card remained to be
played now waa the time for its ap-
pearance,
Al word d command and the giant
guards closed in around the prisoners.
Sir Noel still stood by Paul, and even
sawi this significant move without
showing the white feather.
if He put his hand to his pocket and
drew out folded paper.
The countess. seeing the action, felt
that there was danger of defeat even
though she could not guess the nature
of the bolt that threatened ~ -H-
How deliberately Sir Noel unfolded
his paper. @ '4 ~
"Ah! monsieur lie major" he said.
The stout soldier, not daring to look
toward the countess, turned his head.
At sight Of the paper his eyebrows
WCht uP IA SoAGh oul "a AbC.
Then he met the doctors magnetic
eye, and was obliged to pay attention
the influence of mind over matter il
always paramount
II have here little document" pur-
sued Sir Noel. waving the paper.
80 I perceive. monsieur" gs
which Is signed by the command
ant. with whose signature you are
doubtless familiar. =
"Oh. very, monsieur ,fG l,i
WIN you kindly give me one min
ute. l am desirous Of saving you from
committing folly that might wind up
your military career in anything but
q blaze OF glory. wish you to read
this document, which perhaps has nca
Its equal in all Metx at this moment"
II am honored, monsieur" bowins
and taking the paper, while the coun-
tess glided nearer. the look OF awful
determination still upon her face.
Paul believed 1t wise to keep one eye
on her. not knowing what desperate
woman might attempt when brought
to bay.
And somehow he had a presentiment
that. while IT looked as though this
might be Aimees game, there was .
setback in store for her that would end
in her overwhelming defeat.
AS the major read the document she
looked surprised, even puzzled. bH
May ask what you find, NJ lie Ma
jor?" asked the Englishman, quietly.
ut is surprising-I have here pass
written in the commandments own hand
allowing the bearer. sir Noel Travers.
surgeon. with his companion, the lib
erty Of the city Of Metz. and com.
manding that under no conditions shall
he be restrained or prevented from go-
ing or coming at will, It is astound-
Ing. very" ath .a{l
Paul .breathed easier.
He had heard the magic words and
comprehended the nature of the mir
acles that had been wrought in his be-
half. thanks to the coming Of the Eng
lishman.
You have no reason to doubt the
genuineness Of the document, matorl"
pursued Sir Noel, with the convincing
manner Of lawyer. oa.;,
r None at ALL would be willing to
stake my life upon that came the
reply. e@f ,1' f7F e. Z. d
Fool. fool, don't you see the trap?"
cried the countess. firmly.