Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-12-11

chat with you, mademoiselleW
Il have been told that there are men
in the world who think themselves
handsome and clever and brilliant
when in fact they are but conceited
simpletons," she remarked rather in
differently, muflling herself in her fur
wrap. You certainly would be a fairly
good hitching post for cur horses if
you never moved" Then she laughed
out of the depth of her hood. perfect
ly merry laugh. but not in the least
fattering to Captain Farnsworths van
fly He felt the scorn that it conveyed.
She laid a shapely hand on the bro
ken gate and pushed it open.
II beg your pardon. mademoiselle."
His manner softened as he spoke. 81
beg your pardon, but came to speak to
you about the flag-the flag you took
away from the fort"
She had been half expecting this, but
she was quite unprcparcd. and in spite
of all she could do showed embarrass-
ment.
II have come to get the flag. If you
will kindly bring It to me or tell me
where it is r.
She quickly found words to interrupt
him with. and at the same time by a
great effort pulled herself together.
You have come to the wrong place."
she flung in. Il assure you that
haven't the flag"
You took it down, mademoiselle."
ooh, did ~
with bewtching grace you did
| mademoisele. | saw and admired.
/ Will you fetch It, pleasew
Indeed | won't"
More depends upon returning that
flag than you are probably aware Of
he presently said in a more serious
tone. I'm fact. the life Of one of your
! townsmen and n person of some i'm
portance here, believe. will surely he
saved by it. You'd better consider,
mademoselle. You wouldn't like to
cause the death of man.
"Who Is it?' she frankly demanded.
ut is the mayor the big man of your
TOWN.. ROussllon. | think he calls
himself. He's got himself into a tight
place. He'll be shot tomorrow morning
IL llldl udS IL llol l'iO'uttu. NioNtil lOl
Hamilton has so ordered, and what he
orders is done
You jest, monsieur"
II assure you that | speak the plain
truth"
You will probably catch VI. 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 its happy tone. Are you tell
ing me that to-
You can verify 1t, mademoiselle, by
calling upon the commander at the
fort. l am sorry that you doubt my
veracity. If you will go with me
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-
waited. his head resting far back be-
tween his upthrust shoulders, his
hands in his pockets. his uncanny eyes
gazing steadily at Farnsworth. lie
looked like n deformed frog ready to
jump.
Alice unmistakably saw truth in the
captains countenance and felt 1t in
his voice. The reality came to her
with unhindered effect. NJ. Roussil-
Ions life depended upon the return of
the flag. She put her hands together
and for n moment covered her eyes
with them.
Il will 20 now, mademoiselle. said
Farnsworth but | hope you will be
in great haste about returning the
flag"
Jean took hold of Alice's dress as she
turned to 90 back into the house.
"Is he going to take the flag? Can
he find it? What does he want with
It? What did you do with the flag
Alice?" he whined in his peculiar
quavering voice. where is it"
Her skirt dragged him along as she
walked.
Where did you put 1t, AliceT
Father Beret hid it under his floor
she answered involuntarily and almost
unconsciously. II shall have to take
II back and give 1t up"
"No-no-I wouldn't" he quavered,
dancing across the veranda as she
quickened her pace and fairly spun
him along. II 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. l am going to the
fort. Don't tell Mamma Roussillon a
thing. Be a good boy"
She was gone before Jean could say
a word. She meant to face Hamilton