The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-07
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ETHE ROSE
20 81 FREDERIC S. ISHAM. V
" [corYRoH coMPANrl
[corrRlonr. 1906 TnE RowEN-MEKRILL CoMrANY.l
CHAPTER XVII.
JACoUELIN's QUEST.

a man, merry in adversely, Is as wise as
Master Rabelais. Many the time have L
heard him say fit Of laughter drives away
the devil. while the groans of fagellating
saints seem as music to Beelzebubs ears.
Thus. a wit-cracker is the demons enemy,
and the band OF Pantagruel, an evangelical
brotherhood, that with tankard and pot
sends the arch fiend back to the bottomless
pit"
And the fools jailer, seated on the stool
within the cell, stretched out his legs and
uplifted the bottle to his lips. while, judging
from the draft he took and assuming the
verify of the theory he advanced, the prince
of darkness at that moment must have fed
a considerable distance into his chosen
realms.
"Ah. you know the great philosopher,
them" commented the jester from the
couch. closely watching the scottish, intern
perate face Of his keeper. and running his
glance over the unwieldy form which babe
fair to outrival one of the wine butts in the
castle cellar.
Know him." exclaimed this lowly votary.
Il have cen been admitted to his table-at
the foot tbs true-when the brave fellows of
Pantagruel were at ii. Not for my wit was
1 thus honored"-the PLEASANT made dis
senting gesture. the irony of which passed
over the head of the speaker-"but because
a giant fiagon appeared but child's toy in
my hands The followers Of Pantagruel fell
on both sides. like wheat before the blade Of
the reaper, until Doctor Rabelais and my
self only were left. From the head to the
foot of the table the great man looked. How
my heart swelled with pride! Swine of Epi-
Gurus, are you still there? he said. And
then-and then
With a crash the bottle fell from the
hand Of the keeper to the stone floor. The
massive body swayed on the small stool;
his eyes stupidity shut and opened.
Swine of Epicurus." he repeated. Swine
- and followed the bottle. rolling gently
from the stool. He made but one motion. to
extend his huge bulk more comfortably,
and then was still.
why thought the fool IF Jacqueline
fails me not all may yet be WE'LL
But even as he thus reflected the door of
the cell opened, and a face white as a lily.
looked in. Her glance passed hastily to the
motionless figure and an expression of sat
fsfaction crossed her features.
1.-The keys" she said. and the. Jester.
bending over the PROSTATE jailer, detached
them from his girdle.
Lock the door when we leave' she con-
tinued. 1.-The other keeper does not come to
relieve him for six hours"
1T would be an offset for the many times
he has locked me in" answered the fool
"A scurvy trick; yet as Master Rabelais
says. Pantagruelians select not their bed"
us this a time for jesting?" exclaimed
the girl, impatiently.
He has been treating me to Gargantuan
discourse, Jacqueline," said the fool, humb-
ly. II was but answering him in kind
"And by delay increasing our danger!"
Our danger!' He started.
Since she had first preached the subject of
escape but one sweet and all-absorbing idea
had possessed characterization. Liberty was
the means to that end and every other
thought and consideration had given way to
this desire. He had fallen asleep with the
free barons dark features imaged on his
fevered brain; when he had awakened the
morbid fantasy had not left him. But now;
was suddenly shed upon the enterprise, and
he paused abruptly. even as he turned to
leave the cell. With growing wonder she
WELL" she exclaimed, impatiently why
do you stand there?"
Should escape. you, Jacqueline, would
remain to bear the brunt'' he said reflect
lively. THE jailer. when he awakes will tell
the story; who brought the wine; who sue
cored the prisoner. To go, but one course is
open." And he glanced down upon the pros
trate man. ITO silence him forever
She started and half shrank from him.
Gould you do it?''
He shook his head. "In fair contest. l
would have slain him. But now-it is not he
but !, who am helpless. And yet what is
such a sot's life worth? Nothing. Every
thing. Farewell, sweet jestress; must trust
to other means and-thank you"
The outstretched hand she seemed not to
see, but tapped the floor of the cell yet more
impatiently with her foot. as was her
fashion when angered. Here was the prison
door open. and the captive enamored of con-
finement; at the eliminating point conjur-
ing reasons why he should not flee. To have
gone thus far; to have eliminated the jailer,
and then to draw back with the keys in
his hand-truly no scene in a comedy could
be more extravagant. The girl laughed
nervously.
What cyclists men arei' she said Good
Sir Jester, in Offering you liberty l am serv-
ing myself; myself, you understand" she
repeated. Let US hasten on, lest in defeat
ing your own purpose. you defeat mine
What VIII you answer when he"-indi-
eating the drugged turnkey-"accuses your
Was ever such perversity." was all she
deigned to reply, biting her lip.
You are somewhat willful yourself, JAG
quelne" he retorted. with that smile which
so exasperated her.
Listen" she said at length, slowly. i'm
pressively. You need have no fear for me
when you go. l tell you that more danger
remains To me by your staying than in your
| going; that your obstinacy leaves me I'M
protected that your compliance would be a
boon to me. By the memory of my mother
| by the truth of this holy book'-dra,, Ing
a little volume passionataly from her bosom
| II swear to what l have told you" Eag-
| he read in their depths only truth and can
my life, my happiness. All have done for
| you has been for this end
Her eyes fell. but she raised them again
| quickly. viii you accept mission from
one who is not-a princess?"
Name her mott. exclaimed the lester
| sharply. And then, recovering himself
added. less brusquely: What is il you want.
mistress?"
This is no time nor place to tell it," she
went on rapidly, seeing by his face that his
logged humor had melted before her appeal.
| all; what ii is l wish to intrust in Your
hands,
A moment she wa ted. Your argument is
| unanswerabe, Jacqueline, he said finally
II own myself puzzled. but believe YOU SO
| have your way.