Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-16
! ALICE ef OLD ]
 I VINCFNNFS
 s$ $s By MAURICE THOMPSON
 $%%s Copyright IsoO by the BowENMERRnL COMPANY
' Copyright. 1900. by the BowEN-MERRIlL COMPANY
CHAPTER XIV. A PRrsaNER OF LOVE.
By MAURICE


 M clothes and followed Captain
 Farnsworth to the fort, realiz- ing that no pleasant experi- ,ence awaited her. The wind and rain IstilI prevailed when they were ready to get forth, and, although it was not ex- itremely cold, a searching chill went with every throb that marked the btOrmss waves. No lights shone in the iy1llage thouses. Overhead gray gloom leevered stars and sky, making the ENaxkness in the wafery streets seem densely black. Farnsworfh offered AL ace has arm, but she did not accept it
 sT know #he way better than you do" she said Come on, and don't be afraid Shat am going to run. shall hot p1ay any trick on you"
 avery well, mademaiselle, as you gike. trust you"
 They has*ensd along until lantern kn the fort shot a haay gieam upon Ghem.
 @stop a moment, mademoiselle," :" SEarnsworth called. T say, Miss Rous- pillon, stop moment, please"
 Alice halted and turned, facing him So short and so suddenly that the rapier an his hand pricked through her wrap and slightly scratched her arm.
 -sWhat do you mean, sir?" she de- Gnanded, thinking that he had thrust purposely. "Do deserve this brutal typ
 You mistake me, Miss Roussfllon. scannot be brutal to you now. Do not fear me. only had word to say"
 st0h, you deem it'very polite and gen He to Jab me w1th your sword, do you If bad one in snnys hand you would not dare try such thing, and you Know it veryAgeiL"
 He wae amazed not knowing that the sword point had touched her. He could not see her face, but there was a flash in her voice that startled him with its indignant contempt and resent anent.
 What are you saying, Miss Roussil- lon7 don't understand you. When did ever-when did I jab you with my sword? I never Thought of such a thing"
 This moment. sir, you did, and you know you did My arm is bleeding now"
 She spoke rapidly in French, but he caught her meaning and for the first became aware of the napier in his hand Even then its point was toward her and very near her breast. He low cred it instantly while the truth rushed Into his mind
 Forgive me" he murmured, his words barely audible in the tumult of wind and rain, but charged with the intensest feeling.
 Forgive me. I did not know. It was an accident. could not do such a thing purposely. Believe me, believe me, Miss Roussillon. did not mean it.
 tI should like to believe you," she presently said, "but I cannot. You English are all, all despfcable, mean, xiler'
 Some time you shall not say that, 2 Tarnsworth responded 'T asked you 10 stop a moment that I might beg you b believe how wretchedly sorry I am tor what am doing. But you cannot understand me now. Are you really hurt. Miss Roussillon2 I assure you that it was purely accidental
 My hurt fs nothing" she said.
 ssI am very glad"
 ''WeIl. then, shall we go on to the kOrt9"
 You mayrgo where you please, ma Hemolse1le."
 She turned her back upon him and without an answering word walked gtraight.stO the lantern that hung by fhe ga&e of the stockade, where senti- hei tEamped to and fro. A few mo kneuts later Captain Farnsworth pre- bented her to Hamilton, who had been called from his bed when the news of Ehe trouble at Roussillon place reached he fort.
 ESQ you've been raising trouble again, have you miss?" he growIed, with an ng1y froHn darkening his face.
 sI beg your pardon" said Earns worth. Miss Roussillon was not to blame for''-
 ''In your eyes she'd not be to blame, sir, if she burned up the fort and all of us in it." Hamilton grufiy interrupted Miss, what have you been doing What are you here for? Captain Farms worth, you will please state the partic- ulars of the trouble that I have just heard about. And may as well notify you that wish to hear no special low CTS pleading in this girls behalf"
 Farnsworth's face whitened with an ger. He bit his lip, and shiver ran through his frame. but he had to con duer the passion. Tn 8 few words blunt and direct as musket balls he told all the circumstances of what had taken place, making no concealments to favor Alice, but boldly blaming the officer of the patrol, Lieutenant Bar low, for losing his head and attacking young girl in her own home.
 ssz will hear from Barlow" said Hamilton after listening attentively to 1he story. "But take this girl and con fine her. Show her no favors. I hold you responsible for her until tomorrow morning. You can retire"
 There was no room for discussion Farnsworth saluted and turned tc Alice.