The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-03-20
CHAPTER XII.

THE DEATH OF A WANTON.
The sham king leaped to his feet, still
laughing, flung off the black cap with
its little row of leaden saints and the
rusty black mantle which mimicked
the kings habit, and stood delighted
and defiant before Thibaut, the Fran
co.'s Viilon who thu a second time had
crossed his path.
WELL, friend, what has the wizard
told you?" Louis asked blandly.
Villon swayed with laughter as he
pointed to the bewildered giant
Wonders, sire" he answered. II have
not laughed 50 heartily since I attained
greatness" But even as he spoke Thu
baut had recovered his wits. He might
be defeated, but he would not be un-
avenged.
you shall laugh no more!" he shout
ed, wrenching himself free from re-
s%traint, and he sprang at his enemy
with lifted dagger.
From behind the statue OF Pan there
came a warning Shrek, and swiftly be-
tween Villon and Thibaut a slim green
figure darted and slim green arms
clasped Villon around the neck. The
dagger of Thibaut drove deep into the
soft body of Huguette.
With a curse Thibaut turned and,
sweeping aside the archers who tried
to stop him, disappeared down the
nearest alley. Noel lie Jolys, drawing
his sword, rushed in pursuit, followed
by several soldiers. Villon held the
bleeding body of the girl In his arms,
and tried his best to stanch the wound
which was staining the green jerkin a
pushing his ministering hand away.
Let me alone; I am done for" she
| gasped.
Olivier was by her side In an instant,
cycling the wound with the professional
interest of the Surgeon-barber and
looking from it to the girls pale face.
Villon's gaze questioned him. Olivier
shrugged his shoulders and shook his
head. Villon knew that the wound was
mortal, and his WI blood seemed like
water within him. He carried the girl
across the grass n rested her on it,
the red stain On the green coat growing
wider and wider as they moved.
Courage, Abbess; courage, lass" he
whispered. fighting with his horror and
his sorrow as he moaned to himself:
THAT any n should die for mel"
The girls arms chung closer about his
neck and her lips moved family. He
stopped close to her to catch her words
This is a strange end. Francois.
always thought I should die in a bed
Here is another kind Of battlefield
Give me drink"
Some water" Villon cried to Olivier
who stood a little apart from the pail
with the resigned look of the physician
who knows that his art is Of no avail.
Huguette protested family.
Not water. Wine. l have ever LOVED
the taste of it, and It's too late t.
change now"
Olivier filled a cup from the hagon O,
the table and was for lifting it to tn,
girls lips, but her feeble hand repulset
him and she pleaded to Villon:
Give it to me, Francois"
Villon took the cup from the barber
hand, lifted 1t to h dying girls lips
and she drank greedily. The stron,
wine gave Ter for a moment somethin,
of its w false strength, and sh,
struggled to her feet. Villon rising witt
her and supporting her.
Your health, Francois. I p
have been a great sinner. VIII Go,
forgive me?"
Villon stifled a heavy groan, but h
was sworn to console her II he could
and, indeed, he believed his words o
consolation.
"Hs understands his children"