The Central Nevadan. [volume] (Battle Mountain, Nev.) 1885-1907, 1903-04-09

masterpieces OF us art, ana Tilt ne
would not appraise them by their worth
in gold only shows that he is a true
artist, as doubtless also he ID a true
SOLDIER
The words were spoken with a gra-
tious courtesy, the clear, cold tone of
her habItual manner just marking In
them still the difference of caste be
tween her and the mar for whom she
interceded, as she would equally have
interceded for a dog who should have
been threatened with the lash because
he had displeased her. That very tone
struck a sharper blow to Cecil than the
insolence of his commander had power
to deal him. His face flushed n little.
He lifted his cap to her with a grave
reverence and moved away.
II thank you, madame. Keep them,
II you will SO far honor me-"
The words reached only her ear. In
another instant he had passed away
down the terrace steps, obedient to his
chiefs dismissal.
"Ah, have no kind scruples in keep
ing them, madame" Chateauroy laugh
ed to her as she still held In her hand
doubtfully the white sheik of the chess
Arabs. 81 will see that Bel-a-faire-
peur, as they call him, does not suffer
by losing these trumperles, which, l
believe, old Zist-et-Zest, a veteran Of
ours and a wonderful carver, had real
ly far more to do with producing than
he. You must not let your gracious
pity be moved by such fellows as these
ingenious rascals In the world and
know as well how to produce a dramat-
&c effect In your presence as they do
how to drink and to swear when they
are out of it."
Every possibly" she said, with an in
dolent Indifference. but that man
was no actor, and l never saw a gen
tleman If he has not been one"
Like enough" answered the mar
Quis. ~ believe many gentlemen
come In ranks who have fled their
native countries and broken all laws
from the Decalogue to the Code Napo-
leon, So long as they fight well VIC
don't ask their past criminalities."
"Of what country is your corporal?"
II have not an idea l imagine his
past must have been something very
black indeed, for the slightest trace OF
It has never that l know of been allow
ed to let slip from him. He encourages
the men In every insubordination, buys
their favor with every sort Of stage
trick, thinks himself the finest gentle
mdn IN the whole brigades of Africa
ana ought to have been shot long ago
II he had had his real deserts"
she let her glance dwell ON him with
d contemplation that was half con-
temptuous amusement. half unexpress-
ed dissent.
II wonder he has not been since you
have the ruling Of his fate" she said,
with q slight smile lingering about the
proud. rich softness Of her lips.
80 do l."
There was a gaunt, grim. stern sig
nificance In the three monosyllables
that escaped him unconsciously. 1t
made her turn and look at him more
closely.
"How has be offended you?" she
asked.
Chateauroy laughed off the question.
"In a thousand ways. madame; chief
ly because l received my regimental
training under one who followed the
traditions Of the armies of Egypt and
the Rhine and have. | confess. little
tolerance In consequence of a rebel
who plays the martyr and a soldier
who is too effeminate an idler to do
Anything except a%ttitudinize in inter.
esting situations to awaken sympathy"
II am lot much interested in militia
ry discussions" she said coldly. but
l imagine. IL you will pardon me for
saying So. that you do your corporal
some little injustice here. | shall not
keep the chessmen without making
him fitting repayment for them. Since
he declines money you will tell me
what form that had better take to be
OF real and welcome service to a Chas-
seur d'Afrique."
Chateauroy. more iDcensed that he
chose or dared to show. bowed courte-
ously. but with a grim. ironic Smile.
"If you really insist. give him a ra-
poieon or two whenever you see him.
He Will be very happy to take it and
spebd 1t for drink. though be played
the aristocrat today. But you are too
good to hin. He Is y of the very
worst Of my insubordinates. and you
are cruel to me In refusing to deign
10 accept my troopers worthless bag
at my hands"
She bent her superb head silently.
whether In acquiescence or rejection he
could not well resolve with himself.
and turned to the staff officers. among
them the heir of a princely semiroyal
French house.
Couched down among her rose hned
covert, Cigarette had watched and
her teeth set tightly, her breath
coming and going swiftly. her hand
clinchcd close N the butts of her pts.
tolls. She had never looked at q beauti.
full. high bred woman before, holding
them In gay. satirical disdain. But now
she studied one through all the fine.
quickencd, unerrlng instincts OF Jeai-
ousy, and there Is no instinct in the
world that gives such thorough appre-
OF the very rival 1t reviles. She