Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1903-01-17

give him the girl he coveted, all that
he might ask for or lust for IL he would
only play the traitor and deliver Louis
into the duke Of Burgundy's hands.
AS this was precisely what Thu
baut was resolved. to do, a pleased
smile played over his lips az he tossed
the parchment into h glowing ashes
and watched 1t wither into nothingness.
He turned to Montigny, who was
watching him attentively.
"Can o command some safe refugees
of our kidney who think better Of Bur-
gundian gold than Of the fool on the
throne"
Montigny answered him behind his
hand. AYE. I know of half a dozen
stout lads who would pilfer the king
from his palace Of the Louvre if they
were paid well enough for the job" and
he jerked his thumb over his shoulder
In the direction Of his carousing COM
rades. Thibaut nodded approval. He
thrust some gold into Montigny's ready
palm, whispered to him to meet him
again tomorrow, and as Montigny re-
Joined his friends he turned to leave
the tavern.
fronted by Villon, who feigning intoxi-
cation barred his passage with an air
OF great hilarity. You walk abroad
late, honest soldier" he ~hiccoughed.
That's my business Thibaut ans
wered. trying to pass, but Villon still
delayed him.
Don't be testy. Come and crack q
bottle"
1--WE had enough, and you've had
more han enough" Thibaut growled.
Go to bed!"
villon's false good humor changed In
a clap.
You're a damned uncivil fellow, SOL
der, and don't know how to treat a
gentleman when o see one."
Thibaut began to lose patience.
Get out Of the way!" he said, and
gave Villon a little push with his open
hand that made him stagger. Villon's
voice rose to a yell.
II will not get out Of the wayi How
do I know o are an honest soldier 2
How do 1 know that you are a true
MANI"
AS Villon's voice rose the alteration,
attracted the attention of the jewellers.
Montigny glided to Villon's side and
whispered him.
Let him alone, Francois; he's not,
what he GEMS.
Seems! Who cares what he seems ?'II
Villon shouted. It's what he is I want
to know. Perhaps he's not an honestI
soldier at all. Perhaps he's a damned
Burgundian spy!"
Thibaut lifted his hand to crush VII
Ion, but the poets naked dagger
menaced him and he paused.
Fling this drunken dog into the
street." he commanded angrily. VII
Ions friends snapped at him furiously.
Villon flung back the phrase.
Drunken dog, indeed! You are a
lying, ~ill-favored knave! Keep the door,
friends, this rogue has insulted me.
Pluck out your iron, soldier!"
In a moment the whole pack were
between Thibaut and the door, every
woman a fury, every mar a fighter,
every man with the exception Of Rene
de M~ontigny, who, d~exterously olsen
tangling himself from the mass Of his
companions, made for the side door and
slipped out Of 1t unheeded In the con-
fusion. 1t was his intention to alarm
the watch and intervene for the protec-
ton Of his powerful patron, and with
this purpose in his mind he disappeared
into the darkness OF the street and ran
as fast as his legs could carry him.
In the meantime the quarrel at the
Fircone ragged hotter. Thibaut, glar-
ing at his enemies as a bull might
glare at barking dogs, asked savage
ly Of the poet who was brandishing his
sword:
Continued Next Weekly