The Caldwell tribune., 1903-11-07
CHAPTER VT.

where, he said to himself that the sum
mer might wear away as well here as in
places where he might not like SO we'll to
stay. So he was in no hurry to depart
Time passed very pleasantly at the
chateau. A great portion of his days was
passed indoors, in the society of his un-
Gle and his beautiful cousin Helen; and
the remainder was spent in the open air,
In the pursuit of his faTorite amuse-
ments. Louis was as fond Of sketching
as ever, and nearly every morning he
might have been seen rowing about the
neighborheod in search of food for his
pencil, as we have already seen him, re-
turning at noon, to display to Mademoi-
selle Montauban the result Of his labor;
though, on the first occasion of this kind,
it must be allowed that the exhibition of
his sketches was subjected to some slight
reserve, the picture of Rose and her
dwelling being withheld For what rea-
son, however, he himself, perhaps, scarce
ly knew at the time.
He had seen Rose two or three times
since that visit, both at the chateau and
at the cottage, where he had met her
father also. The admiration of Louis
for our pretty heroine certainly was by
no means on the decrease; while Hugh
Lamonte was an enigma to him. The Pc
culiarity of this mans appearance and
manners was a matter of no little per-
plexity to him as to others. The gravity
and reserve Of Hugh were so many sub
jects Of mystery. But it was a mystery
not likely soon to be solved. Nobody
knew anything concerning him previous
to the time of his coming to occupy his
present abode. His former place Of res
idencs was unknown. Conjecture had
done her best, and the mystery remained
a mystery still.
Louis often spoke with his uncle on
this subject. The good marquis could
only shake his head in perplexity.
"He is a strange man, that is all
can say, my dear boy" said he; "and
yet there is something about him which
attracts me. That lofty sternness which
he sometimes wears strikes one most
strangely. I never observe it without
thinking Of"
"Of what, monsieur?" asked Louis.
"Of my-of Henri-your uncle, my boy.
We quarreled once, he and I, and he
wore just that look and manner after
ward. You never saw him, Louis" And
the good marquis sighed.
"What was the reason Of the quarrel,
uncleW asked Louis.
''It is long story l cannot tell you
now," was the answer; "but, some day,
perhaps, l will relate it to you"
1t was no uncommon thing now for
Louis to encounter Jacques Leroux now,
In his usual strolls about the neighbor-
hood. They often met; and the young
count, feeling an interest in this rough,
but evidently honest-hearted fellow, who
had taken pains to render him q service,
spent many an hour in conversation with
him while reclining on the banks of the
valley stream, engaged in angling, OF
roaming over wood and hill, with his be-
loved portfolio, for Louis was an unwear.
led artist.
And all this time Gasparde was away
Hugh and jacques alone knew where
for the former, Hugh Lamonte, uneasy
at a neighborhod so little to be desired
had dispatched him to manage the affairs
of that portion of the horde engaged il
the contraband trade, well reasoning that
being as far distant as the coast itself
he had nothing unpleasant to apprehenC
from him. Gasparde, as may be guessed
had been no little dissatisfied with this
arrangement, and resolved to return, Sc
cretly, as soon as an opportunity pre-
sented itself.
It was one day when Louis had beer
rambling about during the whole morn
ing that, wearied out, he threw himsel
beneath the shadow of tree to rest, il
the midst of small grove half way be
tween the chateau and the cottage. H
had book with him, and opening it, sool
became deeply engaged in it's perusal
Perhaps he might have passed half al
hour thus. At the end of that time, how
ever, he closed it, and taking up hi
gun, which he had thrown on the tur
beside him, he took his way towards tn
road, which was not many steps distant
~ But he had hardly reached it, ere buI
let whistled through the air, struck hi
left arm, ploughing up the flesh as i
went, and continuing it's course till i
lodged in the trunk of large tree by tn
roadside.
1t had evidently proceeded from som
place very near the spot which he ha
left; but he had no time to look for tn
source of the compliment, for the war;
blood already poured down his arm, sal
urating completely the sleeve which GOV
cred it. Fastening on, he sat down b
the trunk of the tree which had receiy
ed the bullet, and taking his handkerchie
out, folded it into a bandage. At tha
moment, raising his eyes, he behel
Jacques Leroux coming along the roa
from the village. He called to him, an
= the man ran up.
"What's the matter now, Monsieu
Louis2" he asked, in some surprist
''Shot in the arm2 Winged like a will
fowl! Why, what" He glanced 6
the gun that the count had again lai
down, and Louis recognized the impre.
sion which he entertained.
"Well, my good fellow" he said, ligh
ly, despite the slight faintness he fe
from the loss of blood, "you do not thin
/ would commit intentional suicide-d
you? and if did, should certainly s,
lect a surer spot than this. But l al
glad you are here. This one-handed wor
is rather awkward. Just fasten the BAN
age about it tightly, if you please-s
That is it. Be sure the knot is fast"
And during this time Louis had col
cludsd, since Jacques had drawn his ow
inferences, to let him keep them, and te
him nothing concerning the actual sta
0f tha matter. for a thought had SUI