Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1903-10-08

whoever had fred this shot at him was
an enemy. since be could not bring him
self 70 believe the deed unIntentional.
And what enemy had he besides Gas.
parde7
Louis passed several days In deep rehec-
tion. A double object occupied his at
tention. which was, in part, the discoy-
cry OF the present whereabouts Of Gas
parde, whom he believed to be in the
neighborhood without the knowledge OF
Hugh Lamonte; the other point the read
er will presently understand.
A half.perfected scheme was In pro-
gress OF completion. Fer time, as We
have said, hesmeditated on this, and
finally laid II out to his own Satisfac-
ton.
BY this time his arm was almost en-
tjrely healed. He had remained within
doors for some days; but now resumed bis
usual out-of-door amusements, taking
good care, however, to avoid every place
wherein foe might lie concealed.
Some careless inquiries which he made
of Rose and her father, assured him that,
even II Gasparde were In the neighbor-
hood, they were unconscious Of II. He
resolved to set watch, however, 10 as.
certain the amount Of correctness In his
suspicious.
One day, very shortly after the occur
rences above recorded. Louis received let
ters from Lyons which seemed to inter.
est him very deeply. Business OF some
Importance, he announced, obliged him to
leave the chateau sooner than he had in
tended. The good marquis expressed the
utmost concern and regret at hearing
this.
why, my dear Louis" said he, II
counted on keeping you for months yet.
Why win you gof Surely you can sub
nit to your agent, or av0cet, all affairs
OF business for the present"
My dear uncle, the case is impera-
tive" answered the count.
'Then, as soon as this affair Is trans
acted, you will return to US? will hear
of no refusal"
81 promise you, monsieur, l viii re-
turn"
Helen Montauban had waited silently
for the decision. She made no attempt to
urge Louis to prolong his stay. She did
not even express regret at the an
nouncement Of his intended departure on
the following day; but a closer observer
might have seen the emotion which she
felt. And she received the parting kiss
of her handsome cousin with a smile.
"Afy dear Helen," be said, frankly, tax
ing her hands In his, ''tell me that you
are sorry to bid me adieu, or shall not
believe it."
II do regret your departure, LOUIS" she
answered, in low, clear tone; ''but why
should display it1 You say your busi-
ness Is imperative, and would not detain
you. Besides, you are to return"
"Yes--I shall return" he echoed.
"Adieu. sweet cousinp
Louis" said the marquis, as he ac-
companied his nephew to the gate Of the
court, you must mind and come back
as soon as possible. II the plan which
| mentioned the other day succeeds, Rose
will be an inmate of the chateau before
winter. Poor little Rose! one cannot but
wish to see her In such circumstances as
seem more BETTING her. Helen needs
a friend and companion, too, and both
win be benefited. II Hugh LamOnte will
consent to part with her, she shall come.
The first thing that put this plan into my
thoughts was the prosecutions Of that fel-
low Gasparde. / wished to remove her
from his way. To be sure, he is not here
at present, but then there is no knowing
how soon he may return. shall talk
with Hugh--I shall talk with him; and
Helen will use her influence, too, know,
for she likes Rose. So when you return,
you may, perhaps, find another cousin,
Louis"
"Your plan is an excellent one, my dear
uncle" returned the young man, "and
l wish you all success. Depend upon it,
the endeavors which you and my cousin
make, for the benefit of Rose, will not be
thrown away"
The gate Of the court closed; the guest
was gone.
Slowly rode master and man down the
valley to the little inn by the roadside,
and here Louis dismounted. Immediate
ly, as he did so, there came from an
inner room young man, who, appearing
at the door, made a respectful obeisance
to Louis, saying:
''Ah! monsieur; you see l am pune
tual."
"Goodp answered the count. "How
long have you been hereT'
"Three hours fully, think"
"That is well. see you do not forget
your masters habits. But come; we must
have a room In private for a little while.
Francois! to his valet, ''get down and
wait awhile. wish to transact some pri-
vate business with this person. Come,
Robinw
"You have got your spade and its ac-
with you, presume?" in.
Quired the young count Of the man he had
met, as the two entered little room to-
gether.
'Yes, indeed, Monsieur Louis, and one
or two changes of apparel. 1t Is for no
more than month or two, think you
saidT"
"That Is ALL"
"Then dare say l brought sufficient
with me; more than that might be
thought superauous, you know. We
must be natural"
"Yes-yes, Robin. 1t is all right. Shut
the door now, and be careful there is no
chance for eavesdroppers."
They went in, and the door was clos
ed upon them,
Some twenty minutes might have elaps-
ed when It was re-opened and they came
forth again, the young count striking
from his vanished boot one or two
straws with his riding switch, and bend
Ing his head to conceal smile that curv-
ed his mustached lip; while his compan-
ion, with less apparent restraint, was
laughing outright-a low, musical, but
hearty laugh, He quickly grew grave,
however, and said, aloud, as they pro-
ceeded to the outer door, where the Inn
keeper was still standing, aud endeavOr-
Ing to draw the usually gruff Francois