The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-12-28

CHAPTER XII.


rnsnt conscience. which he had believed for
80 long was wholly dead and buried.
Every time he left her presence he felt
strengthened TO do better and resolved 20
turn over q new leaf Then the old habit
would prove too strong for him and he
would relapse again. Twice be had made
up bis mind to make no use OF the ballad
sheet as trsp 20 decoy Allen; yet when
the moment came he yielded without q
murmur and cursed himself for the sur
render afterward. This thought was in
his mind when he went down stairs with
Cicely. he was cullen all the way and
said not a word till they reached the
large vacant room whore they we're In the
habit OF practlcing with the fcils
Here Is you foil" he said abruptly
She took 1t, and they fell into position.
Since We last saw them together In this
situation Cicely had improved vastly in
her play. julie had taught her many tricks
which she mastered so quickly and with
such skill that the adventnrer had no words
TO express his commendatiOn.
Click, click. click, The slender swords
strike together, bend and recover With the
speed OF lhsht. Il seemed "a II, In every
equsl Of her tutor. julie once told her
thar skill and not strength IS what couats
In this game II actually began to look
a. II she were about 10 prove the truth OF
this assertics. julie was forced more and
more away from this offensive play and put
solely upon the defensive. Ne made des-
pcrstc effort, but Clcriy scored point
against him. A moment later she smiled
with satisfaction rs she made what she
thought was r sure thrust But her fol-
few ont OF her hand and Tell upon its point,
bounded into the air, ami then ratified on
"PEhawi'' she cried. as she turned in vex-
stion 20 recover the weapon.
Let rs rest said julie.
THAT Is a trick you have not taught me. ="
b. tho window. How dld you do it?"
have en- never 'F known it to fan"
II don't call that an explanation. How
was II doneT'
ago, more or less. I was on the Isle Of
Sark. and wanted to capture fortress.
There was no way to do Il but by deceit;
so we asked permission tC bury our dead
chaplain on shore. This was granted ana
we loaded = coffin with swords aud pis-
tolls. ! tell YOU that was a heavy corpse
70 carry. and poor mcuTners Groaned
pebbly beach; but We got tn the top. dashed
m the cover. and in an Instant there were
hfty Englishmen armed to inc teetn.
ClceIy looked at him I'm some surprise
why did you turn aside so abruptly from
the question ] asked
''For two reasons The dfty of us were
too few and ! was captured and sent 10
the rack. Thence ! went 10 the enlieTs;
DO YOU know what II means tc he thcref
We were chained STARK naked lNuE ~ "
20 every oar, and beaten across inc pack
with whips. 10 one died they let MIN nc
TN he stank and then cast him over
hoard 70 the sharks Ihey to s ,,o,, ps
opcn snd hungry for bite. oh
day NC rose and broke our Grains,
Sslilug ppon our masters, ana the HhArhs
had other food that day one cf the men
had bcfrjrnied taught me trick win
blg sword which he hade me promise, as
Valued a truc friend 10 use seldom mud to
And you have kept your word1'
Absolutely It has saved my he score
Of times and ! have told It TO- no one
Il have taught you all know. Except
for that you are my equal D.,
II may need friend myself some day
replied Ciccly She was more end more
hont on winning his secret from him; but
Julie was obdurate. We'll she conunuen,
there is no use OF omr pIaclclnE any
longer When the pupil has learned az
her master has 60 teach. there Is no neeh
for longer practice / think I shall 80 to
This WINS not at all what Julc wanted, as
no had been holding back mainly FOR the
sake OF prolonging the discussion nhCse
moments AZ rest. when he would SIT 10y
Cicelv's side and hear her soft musical
voice were growing ineNpressihlN dcnr 10
MIN More than once he had felt an over
whelming gust OF passion sweep over him
n desire 10 take her In his arms and KISS
You talk Of going to your room. Ms.
ltpplV.
desire 70 he with me, even II ! can teach
10Y ~ n nD sure Won must have many othor
thinv@ "a think OF You told mo that my
father was fond Of talking to you about
trade am sure you ind that more ~
vonr proht than amusing n stubborn girl
who IL your prisoner md his
at NAV be more % my profit as You nut
Il IN n worldly way: bur there are Other
binds of profit that are ~ greater value
than n few shillIngs and pounds 10 YOU
understand me-"
"Oh certainly: but ! can hardly agrco
with YOU How uuch do Won think ! would
ftve 10 he free 80 work Ia he fields Tor
one day3 II had u thousand pounds
would give It to you willingly 10 he free
~ long MS that
Are you anxious 20 escapei Would You
nav for you- freedom:
ALIAS. l have nothing TO pay
Indeed believe nc You ere richer thGa
YOU think. Hou nave the com maj W"uln
buy the lie Of any man who knew ynu,
But have az tue ne want J,
freedom 20 use that life which is dpn'ed
me-"
Cicely was growing nervous. She
saw nerfectly well towards what
goal julie was driving ne aiso
felt veNed that she should turn MIN
Nsds 50 arttuly at every pnint. HIS
resolve became inc frmer 10 draw cIoSe
% ner' 70 zen her, y possiele, now ne relt
z