The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1903-11-26


monde"
The guard appeared. Jacques glanced
towards the count, and then said:
"Comrade, you don't forget, | suppose,
the conversation which we had at dinner?
the agreement which we made about
bidding adieu to monsieur lie capitaine z"
The glitter of gold caught Raimonde's
eye, from a heavy purse which the count
held carelessly in his hand. His avarice
was aroused.
Il remember it very well, Jacques" he
answered.
The count stepped forward.
My friend, suppose you were to shut
your eyes for the space of half an hour,
and unclose them at the end Of that time
to find yourself richer by thousand
francs, or two or three times that sum,
perhaps?'
1T would be a very pleasant thing,
monsieur"
Il offer you that sum in return for
certain favor which 1 shall ask at your
hands"
Name the favor and it is yours, mon
seur."
Il desire the use of the keys which I'M
lock the doors of these cells, and you
will show me those in which you have
prisoners confined"
1T is bargain. Follow me, monsieur.
SO this is your business, comrade?' and
he smiled grimly at Jacques. ''Well, it's
all the same to me, since | shall myself
escape from this place and be able to
live like an honest man."
So saying. he led the way from the cell,
advanced short distance along the gal
lery, and pausing before an arched door
in the wall, said, as he unlocked and
threw it open:
The only other prisoner we have is in
here, monsieur"
And Louis, leaving the others outside,
entered. This cell, like that of Jacques,
was lighted by brazen lamp, suspended
from the ceiling. Directly beneath this
lamp stood Rose, slightly bending for
ward, with her hands ciasped, and an
eager, inquiring expression of counte-
nance, as she beheld some one entering.
and heard the words of the guard. But
she shrank back at first, with a low cry,
as the disguised count met her view. She
did not recognize him.
Rose, do not fear; it is I"' he said.
you. Louis? -ah, Louis! l know you
now and weeping, amid her smiles, she,
sprang forward to the arms outstretched
to receive her.
The young man trembled with emotion
with feelings that were unutterable, as
he held the light form of Rose in his EN-
brace.
Rose, | have come to make you free"
he said, tenderly. supporting her to the
door. Come with me, dear child"
ITO set me free? Let us hasten, Louis.
But where is he-that wicked Gas
pardeT'
"Gasparde is absent, Rose, and we
must escape ere his return. | will tell
you all when you are once in safety"
Jacques stood at the door, unable to
suppress his delight on seeing Rose
again, an durging them to hasten. Raj
monde said, briefly:
You had better use all the speed you
can, you can scarcely get away from
here too soon"
Thanks, my friend; and here is your
reward" returned Louis, at the same
time placing in the mans hand a we'll
filled purse. And now, Jacques, let US
be gone"
They reached the front of the cave.
Stretched on heap of skins, by glow
ing fire, lay the guard, smoking short
stemmed pipe and meditating.
Michel, come with me-" said Raj
monde, briefly.
The man rose, indOlently. and obeyed
The cool, damp wind blew across their
faces as they gained the entrance. An
involuntary exclamation of thanksgiving
escaped from the lips of Rose and Louis.
I'VE are free--free"' uttered Rose,
with sweet and thrilling solemnity: and
pausing an instant, she bowed her head
upon her clasped hands.
They parted, Jacques joining the count
and Rose, to accompany them to the cha
teau. Louis pushed on, still supporting
tenderly the young girl at his side. A
few moments passed, and they were max
ing good progress, when suddenly their
attention was attracted by sound OF
voices at some distance to the right and
the family discerned forms of persons
moving through the trees. Jacques paus-
ed and listened.
Fly, monseur-fy! the men are re-
turning" whispered he, suddenly.
"Rose"' murmured Louis, in alarm, 81
must save you, at least"'
"Hasten-hasten on" urged Jacques;
there is hollow tree just beyond here
where Mademoiselle Rose can conceal
herself"
They pressed forward silently, but they
were perceived.
"YOnder-yOnder! the third tree on the
right" whispered Jacques, frantically;
hide her. or she is lostr
There were shouts behind; the brigands,
eight or ten of them, sent back by Gas
parde, were approaching; they discerned
the fugitives dimly in the gathering dark
ness, and their suspicious were reused.
IhAu nncnd IarrSllit Rllt thl.r.