The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-12-03

Bur their attention was attracted In an
other direction; for Gasparde had risen
to his feet, and his cry of rage and de-
spair rang through the forest. Deserted
by his companions, who had fled on wit
Messing the numbers of the approaching
party, and destitute of weapons, he turn
ed and was bounding away, when q shot
from one of the villagers struck him.
With one horrible cry he sprang into the
air and then fell heavily to the earth.
There was convulsive movement of the
limbs, contraction, a sudden spasnl,
and the form was stretched out in mo-
tionless silence. Gasparde was dead.
There was time of silence, and then
Francis clasped the hand of Louis and
drew him gently away from the scene.
1T Is too horrible" he uttered, with
shudder. Come, dear Louis, to where
fairer sight awaits you; let us go and
meet Rose, our sweet little blossom, who
owes to you her safety
'She is safe, them said Louis, with
animation; ''ah, that repays me for air.
"Ay-safe! We found her in the wood
an hour or two since; and without wait
ing longer than to meet Helen, and assure
her of her safety, the dear girl insisted
on guiding us instantly in the direction
of the cave in which she had been con-
fined. We were proceeding thither, with
the domestics and villagers, armed with
any weapons at command, when we per-
ceived your form and that of your as
sailant. But see-yOnder comes Rose on
the arm of the Count de Clairville!'
1t was indeed the beautiful Rose, pale,
but smiling, who, advancing lightly in her
white robes, over the forest turf, met
Louis with low cry Of joy, and with
fervent gladness returned his silent but
eloquent embrace. Then she stood apart
as the Count de Clairville, with unspeak-
able emotion, greeted the escaped cap
tive.
The bands Of people who had gathered
to assist in the search for the young count
were gay with rejoicing as they wendell
their triumphant way back to their
homes; and at the gates Of the chateau,
the good marquis extended to them, one
and all, a cordial invitation to a merry
making during the following week, to
celebrate the happy return Of his lost
children. And then, among that joyful
family, there were fervent thanksgivings
and explanations followed and recitals of
past plot and peril; and not the least
blessed Of all was Helen Montauban,
who rejoiced none might know how deep
ly, for it was as if life itself were re-
stored to her with the restoration Of her
cousin.
Jacques, making his appearance next
day at the chateau, was made hero Of;
. and fain would all have heaped favOrs
and rewards upon him, but he would
none of it. ''He was going to Lyons, to
seek master Hugh" he said, land follow
his fortunes" And that very day he de-
parted. Rose was deeply affected when
she heard of this resolution. She longed
to see her father, and contde to him all
the trouble she had so lately endured
all that had been ON her mind concerning
Robin; but, with further thought, she
decided that it was better to retain her
vexation and trouble within her own
breast until she had confessed all to the
marquis; for now she resolved to delay
that confession no longer.
And so Jacques went, and Rose only
gave him thousand loving messages for
her father, and babe him tell of her ad-
venture, and her final safety, and of the
death of the villain Gasparde. Nothing
of all her sorrow did she desire her father
to know yet He must think of her only
as happy and content.
The next day there was a gathering of
stout and sturdy men from far and near,
armed with serviceable weapons; and the
forest was searched, and the robbers
cave discovered place never known till
then by The dwellers in that region But
the brigands had tied-their chief no long
er with them; and the cavern was empty
d taH hn
to it. 1t is probable that the horde broke
no. and the men went in various direc
tons to gain an unlawful living else
where; but they never were heard of
a...n. Itaimonue went to Italy, and
thenceforth was unheard from.
ITO be continued.)