Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-24
IN THE BY, By
Arthur w.
|, LISTS Marchmont
!: OF LOVE-. :.
Copyright, 1907. by A.W. Marehmont

"1 rs a terror of night" I said to
myself as galloped through the
sludgy mire Of the country road
to Mobanne in the bewildering
darkness and through the rain which
was driving down like the sleet Of a
waterfall-a terror Of night for a
lovers meeting truly, and, though /
had ridden close ON ten miles through
it and had had to dodge a couple Of
French scouting parties, doubted
whether dainty little beauty like
Lota would be able to venture the 200
yards to our rendezvous even to see
me.
But for the war we should have been
man and wife before this, for We had
fought down the opposition Of her
friends, and the fact that l was the
rich Graf Won Hollebrann had helped
to overcome their objection on the
score of my nationality.
With the outbreak Of the war, how
ever, all their opposition had been re-
newed with a thousandfold virulence,
and Lota had been forbidden to see me
or to write to ian enemy Of France
actually in arms against her." Our
love had laughed ut the prohibition.
We had met twice while my regiment
lay so close to Mobanne. and had ar
ranged this third meeting to try to
cheer the poor little trembling heart.
I hn hnr1Sn n n1
went very cautiously till reached the
little side gate of the grounds where
she was to be. stood there, shrOuded
in the deep darkness of the Overhang-
ing trees, and waited. But knew
the French scouts were out in the dis
trict, and, having no mind to be taken
prisoner, I soon began to develop i'm
patience and was meditating the en-
pediency of forcing the gate and ex-
ploring the grounds themselves when
heard the catch click as if some one
were opening 1t, and a moment later !
saw the shadow Of completely hood
ed figure.
us that you. Lota?" asked. though
the rainstorm nearly drowned my voice.
Hush The figure held up hand.
as of one warning or beckoning.
In trice was on the ground by her
side, but it was not Lota.
You are to follow me-" said the
woman, putting her head close to my
ear. Don't speak word"
led my horse through the gate. fas'
tened him to the bough Of tree and
FASTENED after the dark figure. now
passing quickly and noiselessly toward
the house.
understood at once that Lota. scared
by the weather. had resolved to risk
meeting in or close 10 the house. and
knew there would be plenty of need for
caution in such venture. ! followed,
therefore. without putting one Of the
questions that rose to my tongue.
When we reached the house. my
guide pushed open one Of the long
easement windows and led me first in
to q small room that was in darkness
and then opened the door Of one be-
yond. where | saw lights.
entered. expecting. of course. to
meet Lota. but instead | found myself
face to face with three French officers
Of cavalry. one Of whom was sitting at
a table poring over some papers. the
other two leaning over him. all three In
deep consultation.
stopped dead in my astonishment.
My first thought was that had fallen
into a trap laid for my capture. My
hand few to my sword, and resolved
to sell my life dearly. The fear of pos
sible consequences to LOta stayed me.
however, while the manner Of the OFF,
GERS changed my opinion. They were
apparently expecting me.
Good evening. Herr Lieutenant"
said the man at the table as the others
drew back and stood behind him. You
are late. and we were just studying
your route fearing you had been de-
layed or prevented"
His manner was obviously genuine,
but why should he "fear" ! had been
detained?
1T is very ugly night. gentlemen"
| answered evasively. as If In explana-
ton.
.'True. and some of our fellows are
on the road too. Where are the pa
pers?"
What did this mean-papers? Then
they did not know the object CT my
visit. began to scent devilment
though what course to take l could not
see. Obviously they did not know me-
Was supposed to know them?
"Papers?" I echoed. win look as Of
suspicion. 'Who are you. gentlemen"
Good" he replied. smiling. land
quite right. But you know no names
are to be used in this matter"
But | have never seen you before
said |. emboldened by my first success
full shot.
I'VE are here in the place Of those
you have hitherto seen." was the an
swer. Caution is good. but make your
mind easy"