Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-09

flag than you are probably aware Of, he presently said in more serious tone. Tn fact, the life of one of your townsmen and person of some inl- portance here, I believe, will surely be saved by it. You'd better consider, mademoiselle. You wouldn't like to cause the death of man"
 "Who is itY' she frankly demanded.
 'It is the mayor, the big man of your town-M Roussillon, think he calls himself. He's got himself into tight place He'll be shot tomorrow morning if that flag is not produced. Governor Hamilton has so ordered, and what he orders is done"
 'sYou jest, monsieur"
 'I assure you that speak the plain truth"
 "You will probably catch NJ. Roussil- lon before you shoot him." She tossed her head.
 .He is already a prisoner in the fort
 Alice turned pale.
 Monsieur, is this true?' Her voice had lost it's happy tone. Are you tell ing me that to-
 You can verify it, mademoiselle, by calling upon the commander at the fort. I am sorry that you doubt my veracity. If you will go with me I will show you NJ. Roussillon tightly bound prisoner
 Jean had crept out of the gate and was standing just behind Alice, with his feet wide apart, his long chin ele- yated, his head resting far back be- tween his upthrust shoulders, his hands in his pockets, his uncanny eyes gazing steadily at Farnsworth. He looked like deformed frog ready to jump.
 Alice llnmistakably saw truth in tho captains countenance and felt it in his voice The reality came to her with unhindered effect M. Roussil- Ions life depended upon the return of the flag. She put her hands together and for a moment covered her eyes with them.
 'I will go now, mademoise1le," said Farnsworth, but I hope you will be in great haste about returning the flag"
 Jean took hold of Alice's dress as she turned to go back into the house.
 ''Is he going to take the flag? Gan he find it? What does he want with it? What did you do with the flag, Alice P he whined in his peculiar, quavering voice. Where is it?''
 Her skirt dragged him along as she walked.
 Where did you put 1t, Aliceg'
 I,S 4 7<xp.f fa{e she answered inyoluntarily and almost unconsciously '.I shall have to take it back and give it up"
 'No-no-I wouldn't, he quavered, dancing across the veranda as she quickened her pace and fairly spun him along. T wouldn't let 'em have it at all.''
 Alice's mind was working with light ming speed. Her imagination took strong grip on the situation so briefly and effectively sketched by Captain Farnsworth. Her decision formed it. self quickly.
 "Stay here, Jean. I am going to the fort. Don't tell Mamma Roussillon thing. Be good boy"
 She was gone before Jean could say word. She meant to face Hamilton at once and be sure what danger men aced M. Roussillon. Of course, the flag must be given up if that would save her foster father any pain, and if his life were in question there could not be too great haste on her part.
 She ran directly to the stockade gate and breathlessly informed a sentinel hof hn coa YToy into whose presence she was soon led. Captain Farnsworth had preceded her but minute or two, and was present when she entered the miserable shed room where the commander was hav- ing another talk with 'M Roussilon.
 The meeting was a tableau which would have been comicaI but for the pressure of its tragic possibilities. Hamilton, stern and contentious, stood frowning upon NJ. Roussillon, who sat upon the ground, his feet and hands tightly bound, a colossal statue of in jured innocence.
 Alice, as soon as she saw NJ Roussil- lon, uttered a cry of sympathetic en- dearment and flung herself toward him with, open arms. She could not reach arOunu ms great shoulders, put she did her best to include the whole bulk
 Papa! Papa Roussillon" she chir- ruped between the kisses that she showered upon his weather beaten face
 Hamilton and Farnsworth regarded the scene with curious and surprised interest. M. Roussillon began speak ing rapidly, but being Frenchman he could not get on well with his tongue while his hands were tied. He could shrug his shoulders; that helped him some.
 T am to be shot, ma petite" he pa- thetically growled in his deep bass voice; ''shot like dog at sunrise to- morrow
 Alice kissed M Roussillon's rough cheek once more and sprang tol her feet facing Hamilton.
 You are not such a fiend and tbrs<aa as to kill Papa RoussilIon," she cried. "Why do you want to injure my poor, good papa?''