The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1902-03-14

felt positive that he could see signs
OF n trap door above. no unusual thing
In these old Berlin houses which have
stood the CRIME and storm OF centur-
les.
To reach Il he utilized a table that
stood in corner. upon the top OF
which he placed a chair.
Eureka! The oXtompore ladder ac-
complished all that was expected OF
II. and when he found n small section
OF the ceiling actually yield 10 his
gentle, persuasive pressure. Paul be-
gan To believe that he had the game
In his hands.
Being a thorough athlete he expert
snced no trouble In drawing himself
up and passing through the opening.
Had he bettered his condition? lie
seemed to be In an apartment OF some
sort
While moving forward 20 find n wall.
he halted several times 10 listen. and
thus became fully convinced that there
was something or some one In the
room with him. This was not pleas
ant since II laid him open 10 attack
at any moment
AS though the situation was not In
teresting enough for Paul, his hands
by accident. while cropping around.
came In contact with some object that
had rested upon a small table: and
such was the unexpected force en-
ployed that the vase toppled over upon
the floor with n crash.
10 was loud enough to almost arouse
the dead.
Paul heard the unknown spring
erect In surprise and start toward
tho spot where the table had betrayed
the intruder.
Bent upon defending himself. he
prepared to receive the party who
rashly advanced, but there was no
need OF warfare
Suddenly n descending shrek at
tested that the unknown had struck
the chute-the open trap had received
him most afiectionately. and ventured
20 kiss his face. no doubt. several
times as he was passing through.
VI least. 30 far as our friend was
concerned. he wasted no pity upon
the late inmate OF the room who had
gone into such sudden exile.
A door would be a very welcome adj
dition 20 his requirements just then.
And ne found Il. since this roof
above was OF the plain everyday cali
brc and not fashioned TO deceive stray
pilgrims.
Once out OF the door. Paul found
himself in a hall-at least he judged
II 90 be such. for there was no light
TO bctray the fact.
lie coHld hear voices and the rust
ling OF moving persons around: then
lights flashed mp In the same wonder
ful manner which had marked their
disappearance when Paul sought 10
detain the countess.
70 began To look as though he would
yet be brought face TO face with the
forces OF the enemy. and compelled TO
fight his way ont OF this spies nest.
How lucky he was armed, What n
glow OF satisfaction 20 draw that little
toy frsm his hip pocket. and feel that
so hong as IL remained faithful he
wouh coKtrol the situation.
Bus this was not making progress.
I To remain where he was increased
/ his difficulties. whereas by n bold rush
I he might be so lucky as TO reach an
outer door. which. upon being forced.
Womb bring him 20 the street
lie found the stairs.
Nothing seemed to hinder his prog
ress In that direction. although there
] 10. In 90
OF the house consequent upon fading
tho unfortunate victim OF the open
trap In the room where the American
had been confined.
Paul reached tho outer door and
was drawing the bolts. when cry at
tracted his attention.
Looking up he saw the countess,
with startled eyes. surveying him.
He bowed with the grace OF n
Chesterfield
"Ah! countess. you see II is hard TO
hold one who has been cowboy and
Texas ranger" he said.
You are free-you-you will be-
tray me. and I shall be shut UP In
gloomy fortress even II my life Is
spared. Mon Diou! how cruel. and
love you So monsieur" she cried,
wringing her white hands In dlstrac-
ton.
Countess. there are some hours be-
fore morning. and you will have uEtii
then 20 essapa / am not without pity
Kn0eayor 20 forget your luckless at
,achmont. since only misery can come
Of w. Countess. have the door open.
allow me TO say bon soir."
she had one last glimpse OF his
manly figure. and then the closing
door hid II from view.
When next they met. these two. the
one who would not and the one who
woood. II must be under skies that
were glowing with the blaze OF battle
and upon the greensward drenched
VITA the blood OF gallant men.
CHAPTER XVII
Beyond the Rhine.
Months after.