The Lamar register., 1902-06-25

played now was the time for Its ap-
pearapce.
A word OF command and the giant
guards closed in around the prisoners.
Sir Noel still stood by Paul. and evan
saw this significant move without
showing The white feather.
He put his hand to his pocket aid
drew out folded paper.
The countess. seeing the action, Selt
that there was danger of defeat esen
though she could not guess the nat 're
OF the bolt that threatened.
How deliberately Sir Noel unfo,hed
his paper
"Ah. monsieur lie major" he sac.
Toe stout soldier. not daring to look
toward the countess, turned his tead.
At sight of the paper his eyebrows
went up IN token of surprise.
Then he met the doctors magnetic
eye, and was Obliged to pay attention.
the influence OF mind over matrsr is
always paramount.
81 have here a little document" pur-
sued Sir Noel. waving the paper
so perceive. monsieur"
(Which is signed by the command
ant. with whose signature yoI are
doubtless familiar.
"Oh. very, monsieur"
"Will you kindly give me one min
ute. | am desirous of saving you from
committing folly that might wind up
your military career in anything but
a blaze of glory. | wish you to read
this document. which perhaps has not
its equal in all Metz at this moment"
II am honored, monsieur" bowling
and taking the paper. while the coun-
tess glided nearer. the look of awful
determination still upon her face.
Paul believed it wise to keep one eye
on her, not knowing what desperate
woman might attempt when brought
to bay.
And somehow he had pres.ntiment
that, while it looked as though this
might be Aimee's game, there was a
setback in store for her that would end
in her overwhelming defeat.
As the major read the document she
looked surprised, even puzzled.
May | ask what you find. NJ. lie Ma
| jor?" asked the Englishman. quietly.
1T is surprising-I have here a pass
written in the comma ndant's own hand
allowing the bearer, Sir Noel Travers.
| surgeon, with his companion. the ub-
erty of the city OF Metz. and com
manding that under no conditions shall
| he be restrained or prevented from 60
ing or coming at will. 1t is astound-
ing, very"
Paul breathed easier.
He had heard the magic words Rnd
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, major?'
pursued Sir Noel, with the convincing
manner of a lawyer.
None at ALL would be willing tc
stake my life upon that" came sat
reply.
Fool. fool. don't you see the trap?'
cried the countess. firmly.
But Sir Noel was appealing to all
that was best in the majors compost
tion-his pride as soldier. and the
subordlnation of all other feelings to
duty toward superior officer as laid
down in the manual of arms.
Then you can consider that this
gentleman is the companion mentioned
in the pass. BY the authority vested
In that document | claim for him the
same rights | myself possess. and let
any man arrest him at his peril. Mon
sieur lie Major, tell me, is he free TO 60
with mer'
The soldiers face was almost purple
from the violence of his emotions. but
with an effort he gasped:
There is no other resource-he Is
free
ITO be continued)