The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1903-09-03

What Sultry spring uhy, WHeH tuV NVul's
Louis d'Artois took his way along the
lonely and gloomy path leading through
the very heart of a deep forest lying to-
wards the south Of France, and not far
from the beautiful windings Of the Rhone.
He was young ng-certainly not more than
five-and-twenty; of slight and elegant
figure, yet with nerves and sinews that
might have well become many one OF
stOuter frame and broader shoulders;
with fine head, proud and noble brow'
about which curled silken masses OF ra-
ven hair; dark, earnest hazel eyes,
slightly aquiline nose, and lips somewhat
compressed, shaded by a curling nous
tache, and showing, at glance, the nrm-
ness and decision of his character. Inc
whole countenance, with its delicate, hne-
ly cut, yet noble features, told of thought,
and energy, and power, no less than OF
the gentlest and tenderest feelings with
which the human heart Is gifted.
Count Louis rode carelessly onward,
thinking of many things-some that were
pleasant and some that were sad, and
some, again, that were both; now his
father, whom he had last seen, some
weeks before, at Paris; now Of his uncle,
the Marquis de Montauban, whom he
was about to visit, and his fair cousin,
Helen, whom he already imagined as
watching for him. Louis could have inn
agined his magnificent cousin Helen as
queen or a duchess, but his Whenever.
Yet he liked her-he had always liked her
from boyhood, in a cousinly way. She
was beautiful, graceful and accomplished,
too, as far as it was possible to become,
in those days; but he had never thought
Of her in nearer position than that
which she held at present.
Suddenly broad, vivid flashes of light
ming lit up the forest all about him and
with almost the distinctness Of MONDAY
he saw clearly, at little distance beyond
his horses head, a human figure, creeping
out, on all fours, from beneath the un-
derbrush that skirted the pathway. Al
most invOluntariy he drew rein, and, in
the pitchy blaclSness that succeeded the
fash, endeavored to discern the figure
again; but this was impossible. Yet he
was conscious that 1t must be near him
almost at his very side. With quick
but quiet motion, he placed his hand in
his bosom. Then he was conscious OF
another hand laid upon his knee, while
a mans voice, in low but friendly tone
and close beside him, said;
'Count Louis d'Artois, you are in dan
ger. Pause moment"
'And where rests the danger?" asked
Louis, firmly.
Beyond you, monsieur, and behind as
well, and ON each side. You cannot es-
cape it, even If you would, except by
your own courage. and your own
strength and agility, which, | know, have
served you ere now. have heard that
you are ON your way through this forest
tonight to your uncle's chateau; that you
carry about your person a considerable
sum of money, besides some few jewels
Of heavy value, which you bear within Q
small casket, in the inner folds of the
broad sash about your waist, and thai
your valet you left at the inn this morn
ing. Thus you are fitting prey for those
who frequent these places"
A feeling of the profoundest astonish
ment took possession Of the count.
"Who are you," he asked, "who knows
all this so wellF
II am your friend, Monsieur Louis
which is all | can tell you at present,
said the man. "But, In the meantime
take these and defend yourself will
them, as you will have need in littl,
while after you have parted with me.
And Louis felt brace of heavy pistol
placed in his hand.
"My good fellow, have arms already
/ do not need them," he returned
though | thank you for them sincere
ly."
but you do need them, monsieur, a
you will shortly find, for your own, saf
as you think them, have had the charge
withdrawn"
''Howr uttered the count, in surprise
''It is even as | tell you; it was don
at Corbigny this morning, after you your
self had charged them. These which
have given you will do you good service
and with them do not fear for you, al
though there is danger about you. B
wary, and act with your usual braver
and calmness when the danger comes
1t is not far off,"
"And so | am to be waylaid" aske
Louis,
''Think the worst; it is the safest way
for then you will be better prepared fo
whatever chance presents ITSELF"
ut is well. think you for your war;
ing, and will endeavor to be ready"
At that instant, another broad sheet 9
lightning quiyered like flame, and Loui
beheld the person whom he adressed-
man Of middling size, with bushy dar
hair, a wild, uncombed beard, and
heavy moustache; wearing a rough JACKIE
and broad sash with long ends, With
the folds Of which were stuck brace q
pistols similar to those which Louis no,
held in his own hand. His head was vi
covered, so that the lightning displaye
his features clearly.
''Goodr' said Louis. 81 shall not /
likely to forget your face in hurry, m
friend. Let me thank you again for you
timely assistance"
"Nay-keep your thanks, monsieur
keep your thanks until the danger |
past" returned the man, quietly. Il on
nopt euu may SCI saANAg lhAoubh NhA
and that may be at hand when you nee
warning again. Good night"
Louis continued his way, with strange
mixed feelings Of wonder at what ha
just occurred, together with some degr'
OF apprehension and curiosity as to Il
danger which menaced him. Nsthing
the shape of danger appeared. and 70
perhaps, the space Of fifteen minute
he was kept In suspense. But sudde
ly, a branch above his head was bent al
cracked sharply, and while Roland, q
frighted, reared violently, and almost u
seated his rider, the lightning fash
again and the figure OF a man swul
lightly down from the branch to the pat
way. A strong hand seized Roland's b
die; a rough voice uttered Stand"
pistol was pointed at the counts head.
what do you requirer' asked Lou
briefly and sternly.
Whatever money you carry about 70
Give il to me, and be quick about II
said the voice.
"You are mistaken, my man." utter
Louis. quietly, while one blow from
slight but powerful arm struck aside
uplifted weapon. and a second stretch
the ruf8an genseless among the bush