Rocky Ford enterprise., 1904-12-30


arched eyebrows. he looked once more
toward Jean. who was stili standing
beside the fireplace. But the boy was
quick To see these. and understood
that he might expect To ind Greloire
outside.
Allowing what he felt to be proper
amount OF time to pass after the latter
had closed the door behind him. Jean
put on his cap. and having motioncd
To Pierre. they both followed. regard
less OF l.aTo'S declaration that II was
earlier than usual. and not yet time
for them tO start for home.
The two boys. with occasional sharp
gianccs around. passed along the al
most deserted street. Presently
Pierre. after u quick look over his
?, 3lder. grIpped Jeans arm.
's,.., @sc Is man who looks like
..:<,. "a coming on Just behind us."
He had scarcely spoken when
swift but cautious football came close
behind him. and hand caught his
| shoulder. while Grcioirc said In n care
fully lowered voice. ITEMS! My quick
wittcd comradc. how are youT"
AS you see. or might. were II not
M dark" replied Jean. Hrnspln. the
soldiers hand. And your"
Much better for the fnc supper
have been eating said Grcloirc. n
note of laughter IN his voice.
Pierre now fell behind. and the
three stepped more briskiy.
what have you To tell me?" In
quIrcd Jean. after they had gone 2
few PAGES. and Grcioirc remained ~
| lent.
Did your lieutenant send you-~as
he wishing To know OF mcT" asked
Jean eagerly, Hut there was no All
swcr.
We'll. yes. and no." replied Gre.
loire. speaking slowly. M II consider
InE his words. and adding. M he
| looked down into tho boys upraiEcd
| face. which even the dim light OF the
stars showed TO be filled with keen
| disappointment. Surely you hav.
every reason to know his love for you:
and he Is one who never for.cts. but
his days are now filled with that
which leaves little time for him to
think of anything but this siege. lie
IL outside the city. with the Rcyolu'
tipnary forces"
III. without. and you within, hEht.
Ing against him!" burst from Jeans
| lips. Ms he drew himself away.
'Shh." whispered the soldier.
| "Thct" streets may seem deserted:
but It's ms well not to speak loud
words for the winds may carry them
to where the wrong ears may hear
them
Jean laughed softly. and came cioscr
to Grclolrc.
"Aha-i see how II is"
| BE all the more careful. then. my
| young MASTER" warned the soldier.
There was silence for n time. while
| the three walked slowly along until
they reached street where the
houses were far apart: and the last
| one Of all. from whose windows came
n faint CLEAN Of light. Jean pointed
out To Grcioirc rs his present abode.
And so that IL where you are l!v.
| ing." said the soldier. as they stood
| looking toward II. II toll you. lad.
| that had I the chance to possess so
| quiet home. I should stop within II.
| and not be wandering into such sham.
blcs OF carnage and blood as is the
city now. Take my advice. and keep
away from lie Chen Hcurcux. can
now come to your house: and that will
be the best place for me to see yui.
| But. IL you are to undertake the mis-.
sion of which I spoke. tho less YOU
see of that scoundrcl Laro. the better
will It be-"
"Iaro Is my friend" declared Jean.
his quick temper rising like n fash
OF fire. He is my friend. and even
YOU must not name him In such fash
ion To me-"
So" said Grcloire calmly. taking
his hand from the boys arm. Then
| doubt If you are TO be trusted. aud
regret telling you as much AS have.
!.aro is not to be trusted. lie is al.
most old enough to be your father:
and. his suspicious once aroused. lie
has sufficient craftiness TO surprise
your secret. and use II for our harm"
Jean was silent, and Greloire went
on in a milder tone. Now tell me.
were you in my place would you not
think twice before risking secrets with
such kceper-onc who cares so
much for I.aro as to have temper with
an older friend. who, knowing the
mans reputation. warns you against
him.
Il am not angry. Grcloire." declared
Jean pcnitently. "and regret that !
was so. Pardon me-
"All right-all right. mon ami" WAS
Grcloire's hearty reply. Then. again
lowering his voice. he asked in a half
ouizzical tone. And do you wish to
see our little coloncl?'
"Yes-indeed yes. You know that
I would not give one of his fingers in
exchange for n dozen Laros."
"Bien." said Greloire. Now I must
be going. So adieu. and my compiI.