The Caldwell tribune., 1903-11-07

whoever had fred this shot at him was
an enemy, since he could not bring him
self to believe the deed unintentional.
And what enemy had he besides Gas
parde?
Louis passed several days in deep refec-
tion. A double object occupied his at
tention, which was, in part, the discov-
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.
4 ha1f-perfected scheme was in pro-
gress of completion. For a time, as we
have said, he meditated on this, and
finally laid it out to his own satisfac-
tion.
By this time his arm was almost en-
| tirely healed. He had remained within
doors for some days; but now resumed his
usual out-of-door amusements, taking
| good care, however, to avoid every place
whereia q foe might lie concealed.
Some careless inquiries which he made
| Of Rose and her father, assured him that,
even if Gasparde were in the neighbor-
hood, they were unconscious of it. He
resolved to set a watch, however, to 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 will you go? Surely you can sub
NIT to your agent, or avocet 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 will 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 g regret at the an
nouncement of his intended departure on
the following day; but closer observer
might have seen the emotion which she
felt. And she received the parting kiss
of her handsome cousin with a smile.
"My dear Helen," he 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 a low, clear tone; "but why
should l display it? You say your bust,
ness Is imperative, and l would not detair
you. Besides, you are to return"
"Yes-I shall return" he echoed
"Adieu, sweet cousinw
Louis" said the marquis, as he &C
companied his nephew to the gate of the
court, "you must mind and come back
as soon as possible If the plan which
I 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 al
seem more heftting her. Helen needs
friend and companion, too, and bott
will be benefited. If 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 hel
from his way. To be sure, he is not here
how soon he may return. l shall tall
with Hugh-I shall talk with him; anC
Helen will use her influence, too, l know
for she likes Rose. So when you return
you may, perhaps, find another cousin
Louis"
"Your plan is an excellent one, my dea
uncle" returned the young man, "aRt
; wish you all success. Depend upon it
the endeavors which you and my cousin
make, for the benefit Of Rose, will not b
} thrown away"
The gate of the court closed; the CUES
. was gone.
Slowly rode master and man down tn
valley to the little inn by the roadside
, and here Louis dismounted. Immediate
{ ly, as he did so, there came from Al
! inner room young man, who, appearin
at the door, made a respectful obeisanc
to Louis, saying:
> "Ah! monsieur; you see 1 am pune
t tual."
t "Goodv answered the count, "Hov
3 long have you been hereY
'"Three hours fully, think"
e "That is well. see you do not forge
! your masters habits. But come; we mus
e have room in private for little while
q Francois!' to his valet, "get down an
: wait awhile. wish to transact some pr
: vate business with this person. Conn
y Robin"'
: "You have got your spade and its az
t compartments with you, presume" il
t quired the young count of the man he ha
4 met, as the two entered little room t.
d gether.
d Eyes, indeed, Monsieur Louis, and on
or two changes of apparel. 1t is for 4
r more than a month or two, think 20
!. said?'
d "That is ALL"
t 'Then l dare say brought suficieI
d with me; more than that might /
+ thought superhuous, ySu know. w
must be natural"
+ "Yes-yes, Robin. 1t is all right. Sht
It the door now, and be careful there is I
k chance for eavesdroppers."
o They went in, and the door was clio
= ed upon them.
n Some twenty minutes might have clap
k ed when it was re-opened and they can
l. forth again, the young count strikir
}. from his vanished boot one or tW