The Washington times., 1902-08-17

1
My Uncle is weeping over the dead
English. Bellenger," said Philippe. 1t
always moves him to tears 70 see how
few of them die
I'VE can make no such complaint
against Frenchmen In these days. mon
sieur.' the court painter answered. Il see
you have my young charge here, enjoy
ing the grayestones with you; a pleasins
change after the unmarked trenches ot
France. With your permission l VIII
take him away."
Have the honor, Monsieur Bel.en-
ger, of saluting the man who broagh;
the King out OF prison?" the o.d ansl
inquired.
deep reverence, which modestly dis
claimed any exploit.
| When was this done? Who were your
helpers? Where, are you taking him?''
Bellenger lifted his eyebrows at me
fanatical royalist.
81 wish 1 had had hand in IT. spoke
Philippe de Ferrier.
| II am taking this boy to America.
monsieur the marquis the painter
quietly answered.
"But why not to one of his royal
uncles?'
His royal uncles." repeated Bellen-
ger Pardon, monsieur the marquis,
but did l say he had any royal uncles?'
Gomez" spoke Philippe de Ferrier.
mo jokes with US. I'ellenger. Honest
men of every degree should stand to-
gether in these times"
Eagle sat down on fat grave5tole,
and looked at the boy who seemed to he
an object of dispute between the men of
her family and the other man. lie
neither saw nor heari what passed. She
said to herself
.Tt would make nn difference to me!
1t is the same, whether he is the king
or not
Bellenger's eyes half closed their lids
as If for protection from the SUM-
Monsieur de Ferrier may rest assured
that / am not at present occupied with
jokes. l will again ask permission to
take my charge awar."
"You may not go until you have an
swered some questions
THAT 1 will do as far as am per-
mitted'
do Monsieur and his brother know
that the King is here?" inquired The
elder De Ferrier. taking the lead.
What reason have you to bslieve.
responded Ballenger, that the Count de
Provence and the Count d'Artois have
any interest in this boy2"
Philippe laughed and kicked the ;ur.
1--WE have seen him many a time at
Versailles. my friend. You are very
mysterious"
Have his enemies or his friends sci
him free?" demanded the old French
man.
That" said Bellenger. 81 may not
tell"
Does Monsieur know that you are
going to take him to American"
That" said Bellenger, 81 may not
tell"
when do you sail, and in what YES
SELF"
These matters, also. l may not tell"
This man is kidnaper." the old
noble cried. bringing out his sword with
a hiss. But Philippe held his arm.
Among things permitted to you," said
Philippe, perhaps you will take oath
the boy is not Bourbon
Bellenger shrugged and waved his
hands.
You admit that he is?''
81 admit nothing. monsieur. These
are days in which we save our heads as
we'll as we can, and admit nothing"
"If we had never seen the dauphin we
should infer that this is no common child
you are carrying away so secretly. bound
by so many pledges. A man like you,
truss! with an important mission, nat
urally magnifles it. You refuse to let
US know anything about this affair?''
II am simply obeying orders, mon
sieur." said Bellenger humbly. at is
not my affair"
You are better dressed, more at ease
with the world than any other refugee
/ have seen since we came out of France.
Somebody who has money is paying to
have the child placed in safety Very
we'll. Any country but his own is
good country for him now. My uncle
and will not interfere We do not up-
derstand. But liberty of any kind is bat
ter than Imprisonment and death You
can, of course. evade us, but l give You
notice I shall look for this boy in Amer
lea, and If you TAX s,m elsewhere |
shall probably find it OUT
America Is large country" said
Bellenger. smiling.
He took the boy by the hand. and made
his adieus. The old De Ferrier deeply
saluted the boy and slightly saluted his
guardian. The other De Ferrier nodi cd
I'VE are making mistake, Philippei"
said the uncle.
Let him CO." said the nephew He
will probably slip away at once out of
st. Bartholomew. We can do nothing
until we are certain of the powers be-
hind him. Endless disaster to the child
himself might result from our inter
ference. If France were ready ! Nv TO
take back her King. would she accept |
IN imbeciie7'