The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-12-22
BOOK V.
What Happened in the Tower.
CHAPTER xxiV.-contInued.
Numbered-Weiu Divided,

what Happened IN the Tower.
CHAPTER xxiv.-contInued.
Numbered--W elghed-DivIded
Amid the crashing of the crystal, there
fore. Anne, pale as a ghost, the image Of
everything but joy, rose to her feet and
lifted her own glass. s.s
Messieurs,'' she said, softly T drink to
you and to France She bowed low before
them amid a murmur Of admiration evoked
by her grace and beauty, and continued:
"And thank you. And now, with your
permission, Monsieur lie Marquis and gem
tlemen all, will withdraw. Resume your
Seats messieurs. thank you again for
your congratulations
The marquis handed her to the door,
Grafton noticed that she tottered as she
withdrew. The scene had been too much
for her. He had shot one swift glance
toward the foot Of the table, too, and
he had noticed that one glass had not
been lifted when the toast had been drunk,
and that it still stood trimming with wine
upon the board In front Of the hagard de
Wire. The American pitied him, his mis-
cry was SO great and SO apparent. Mean
while congratulations from all sides were
bestowed upon de Kersaint. The men
crowded around him, shaking him by the
hand. drinking healths to him from fresh
glasses which had been brought, and over
whelning him with acclamations which he
bore with good-humored modesty. ~
Grafton would have left the armory at
once to follow Anne had he not faithfully
promised Josette to stay there until she
summoned him. He waited therefore, in
increasing Impotence. He was glad,
however even in. the midst Of his pas
sion, that he had remained, when he heard
Admiral de Contains tapping the table and
requesting silence. a
"Gentlemen,'' he said, as the tun1ult died
ho their
seats once more, with the permission Of
my friend, the Marquis de Chabot-RoEan,
I will propose toast to you, and at the
same time make an announcement. The
English have been driven from the
blockade by the fierce gales and I in
tend to go to sea. Amid such loyal friends
and supporters do not hesitate to
say that we are bound for the enemy's
country. first propose to take the Eng
lish squadron in Quiberon Bay, to en-
bark there the officers and men of the
brave army commanded by Monsieur lie
Due d'Aiguillon and Marechal Bellos, and
then away for Ireland, crushing any one
who may endeavor to stay our progress;
and if that be Admiral Hawke, let him
look to his ships!' i. f.. -- 50. ..'-. 2 r.
The hall was filed with shouts of APP
prevail and joyful acclamations. .
| "a moment, gentlemen" continued the
old admiral, smiling his appreciation Of
the enthusiasm OIL Ills SuUOiulIldIeS dllu
making q fine figure, with his powdered
head, weather beaten, naughty old face,
his rich uniform heavy with gold lacing,
and his breast covered with orders-'a
! nome nt, while I give you the toast. Fill
your glasses all and drink deep with me:
Death to enemies of the king, confusion
to the English, success to- our endeavor!
i Viye la Francen' =, III, -. =, -.
A perfect roar 81 applause and acquies-
Fence swept through the room. Men
sprang upon the chairs crying and cheer
| ing, some tore down the banners and flags
from the walls, waving them frantically,
and shouting themselves hoarse in their
excitement: They would shout another
way, sing another tune once the grim
English Hawke got his talons in them,
| thought Grafton-still, twas a pretty
sight He alone seemed to read an old
sentence on the wall. * - 800
when do you sail; Monsieur de Con-
j fans?" asked the archbishop, when he
could be heard above the tumult. There
! was an instant silence as they all waited
| in tense excitement to receive the reply.
t. 'Monseigneur,' answered the old ad-
miral, inclining his head toward the pre-
| late 81 beg you to invoke a blessing upon
our undertaking. Silence, gentlemen!
! The officers stood with bowed heads
while the. venerable archbishop, rising
and lifting q white hand in the air,
i
! success Of their arms. The amens with
which the guests ratified his passionate
petition were not less deep and fervent
than had been their cries a moment since
! Most Reverend Father returned the
i admiral, as the prayer was concluded
..as to- the time Of sailing? AS soon as
the wind changes, monse1gneur, and lets
| us get away from the harbor.", j
There was sudden clashing Of arms
! on the stair. A young soldier, an officer
of cavalry, strobe into the room through
the open door. He stopped before the ad'
. rniral, olinked xis heels together witt
military precision, and saluted.
monsieur le Marec11al," *he said, -
4 have message to you from the port ad
miral.'' =
what is it,, sir <ts.
.He babe me tell you that the wind hat
changed within the hour and tits nov
blowing fair for you to leave the harbor.
Gentlemen cried the admiral, wv
sail at s in the morning. We have mucl
J. to do Monsieur le Marquis, vol
will pardon us If we withdraw thus early
Come, come messieurs, the toasting an
t feasting are over, the time of war be
| gins
r Grafton felt touch on his arm. TIL
, anxious face of Josette doomed up out q
3 the darkness near his shoulder.
Come with me-, she whispered softly
AS he turned to go, he heard the admire
= say to de Kersaint:
Monsieur, you may remain here a
hour or two longer. Your ship, IsknoN
! ! is in readiness to weigh anchor, and 8
long you are aboard at the appointe
!. time / shall be satisfied. am loath t
part you from so charming a fiancee in S
uneeremonious a way. Yes" he contir
ued, In answer to question, "you ma
J retain Captain de Wire -
II Grafton drew the hood over his hea
once more, and wrapping the cloak closet
! 'Admiral de Contains was also marshal Q
g | France. .sstE