Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-10-03

Don't be afraid he laughed. Il am
not SO dangerous. l never did hurt q
girl in all my life. In fact. am fond
Of them when they're nice
Il am not in the least afraid" she re-
piled. assuming an air of absolute dis
missal, land you don't look bit fero-
cious. monsieur. You may pass on il
you please
Suppose that l don't pass on?' he
presently ventured with just a suspi-
cion of insolence in his attitude, but
laughing until he showed teeth of re-
markable beauty and whiteness. Sup
pose that should wish to have a little
chat with YOU mademoiselieY'
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, mufiiing herself In her fur
wrap. You certainly would be fairly
good hitching post for our horses if
you never moved" Then she laughed
out of the depth Of her hood, perfect
ly merry laugh, but not in the least
fiattering to Captain Farnsworth's van
it,. He felt the scorn that it conveyed.
She laid shapely hand on the bro
ken gate and pushed 1t open.
II beg your pardon, mademoiselle. /"
His manner softened as he spoke. II
beg your pardon. but l came to speak to
you about the fag-the flag you took
away from the fort
She had been hah expecting this. but
she was quite unprepared, and in spite
Of all she could do showed embarrass-
ment.
II have come to get the flag. Ii you
Will kindly bring 1t to me or tell me
where it is r.
She quickly found words to interrupt
him with, and ut 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."
"Oh, did I?''
"Wtth bewitching grace you did.
mademoiselle. I SAW and admired.
Will you fetch it. please?'
Indeed wont
More depends upon returning That
dag 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 person of some inn
portance here, 1 believe, Will surely be
saved by it You'd better consider,
mademoiselle You wouldn't like to
cause the death of a man."
who is it," she frankly demanded.
1T is the mayor, the big man Of your
TOWN.. Roussillon, l think he calls
himself. He's got himself into tight
place. He'll be shot tomorrow morning
If that flag is not produced. Governor
Hamilton has so ordered, and what he
orders Is done"
You jest, monsieur"
81 assure you that speak the plain
truth"
You will probably catch NJ. 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 ut the
fort. am sorry that you doubt my
veraclty. II you will go with me
will show you M. 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. He
looked like a deformed frog ready to
jump.
Alice Enthusiastically saw truth in the
captains countenance and felt 1t III
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 a moment covered her eyes
with them.
II will 60 now, mademoiselle,' said
Farnsworth, but l hope you Will be
In great haste about returning the
flag"
Jean took hold Of Alice's dress as she
turned to go back into the house.
.Is he going to take the flag? Can
he find it? What does he want with
it7 What did you do with the flag.
Alice?' he whined in his peculiar,
ouayerlng voice where is it?"
Her skirt dragged him along as she
walked.
Where did you put 1t, Ahce?"
Gather Beret hid it under his floor"
she answered involuntarily and almost
Il shall have to take
II back and give it up
'No-no-I wouldn't" he quavered.
dancing across the veranda as she
auickened 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
Fer decision formed it
self quickly
stay here, Jean. ! am going to the
fort. Don't tell Mamma Roussillon a
thing. Be good boy"
She was gone before Jean could say