Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-14


 recoiled from Jefferson's bold resolution to sever from the crown. Resistance he had preached, not secession. And yet --and yet
 He turned to Armand. "The contents of your message" he said ''so much depends. If''-
 .'Sirv' Armand stopped him sharp ly. What bear is for the congressv'
 "In Gods name, then, who and what are you?"
 "A messenger of the French kingr'
 Silence fell. Through it Joseph Gal. loway's unctuous voice spread softly. "Gentlemen, I have conclusive wit ness. One momentr'
 He passed through the side door and an instant later entered, leading Anne. All eyes were turned upon them.
 "'Tis Mistress Tillotsonv One of the committee, who had hitherto kept silence, was speaking. "A lady of Vir- ginia, gentlemen, whom do know loyal and worthy of all credence."
 She did not dare to look about her. She stood, white, piteous. The quiet was unbearable.
 
 this man. Is he or is he not Louis Ar mand, lately seized in Virginia for rep resenting himself French nobleman2''
 She turned her eyes an instant to him and saw his face deadly pale, his eyes terrible, staring at her.
 "He ts," she answered in a scarce audible tone.
 ''You received this paper from the hands of an officer in the British serv- ice? And recognize the signature as that of this man?"
 Yes" The questions were pitiless. Her limbs were failing her, and she caught at the jamb of the door.
 If she only dared look at him! Would they never let her go? The hypocrisy in those rounded, smooth syllables! Were they framing thanks? ''For her loyalty" "her courage "at moment when a matter of great import trem- bled in the balancer'
 F "Enoughw The sharp, strained tone of Dickinson was a relief. ''The lady is fatigued.'
 Then the cooler air of the outer nall smote her face, and the falling curtain u room, the torturing voice, the duffie- gray men and among them all that si- lent, accusing face, those eyes suddenly sunken, round with pain -, Armand, whom she loved and had betrayed! | As the door closed behind her Ar mand dropped into chair and buried his face in his hands.
 "And now gentlemen finished Gal loway, turning again into the room, will you let this unspeakable. villain pass those doors now?'
 Sir protested Pliarne, appealing to Dickinson-"sir, gentlemen a monstrous error is being made. A coil of circurn- stance has been cunningly wove, to ex- plain which there is no time; nor, may hap now, would you credit it. But as aa officer tof the French array, as a clssva a. Her, as French gentleman, lay my oath upon the integrity of this mission and of this man." G:G
 But he knew as he spoke that what he said was futile.
 Joseph Galloway had crossed the room behind Armand's chair and now, with quick movement, reaching from behind, thrust his hand into the young mans breast and drew forth the forged ll parchment.
 Document number two,' he said, tossing it upon the table. Armand had sprung to his feet, his head thrown high, tiger gleam in his eyes. a"Canaille!" cried Pliarne. Dickinson's eye oyerran the writing. Send for the guards!'' he said in a choked voice. "A file to seize him!" And Joseph Galloway went out in haste. At the word fury of passion seem cd to capture Armand. Those near him fell back His dress sword. flashed out and drew furnished ring about him.
 Stand back!' he hurled between his teeth. You shall not stop me! Back, say! Messenger I am, and my mes sage will deliver!'
 ''Madman. Will he cut his way in P cried Dickinson.
 Armand, dragging the curtain from its hooks, had gained the hall. He sprang at the great doors and struck them frenziedly with his sword. But with the first blow the light steel rat tied to the floor broken half way to the hilt
 When Anne had issued from the ante room few moments before, she had emerged into the main corridor. She was dizzy, sick, and the last words of Her questioner were in. her ears. She found herself saying them over duly "A matter of great import" 'Trem. bling in the balance"
 An old doorkeeper in blue coat with taded lace sat near by on a wooden chair, but the day was warm, and he was dozing. His mouth was open, and l he had not stirred when she came out. | She could, hear the mufHed voices eIashing upon one another, coming l from the main room where the dele 1 gates sat The door at one end of the corridor opening on the green was l ajar, and she was vaguely aware, as a | background, of the murmurous, multi keyed noises that hang above an order. 1 ly assemblage of many people. 1 And, standing leaning against the wall, swift knowledge came to her | -A.