The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-06-17
CHAPTER XNIV.

According 10 the governors TpcOllec-
ton, had been gone only a short space
when percmptory knock came upon his
door. He opened 1t. and there stood the
Chevalier de la Mora. dishevelled and
with evidences of haste, but courteous as
was his wont.
u desire to speak with Captain de
Mouret, at once, at once"
THAT you cannot do; he has gone
Chevalier l am astonished Had | not a
gentleman's parole that you should re-
main in your house this night"
You had, sire, but the conditions were
urgent. and see, l have sought Captain
de Mourct without arms, SO 10 breach
could occur between us"
FORTUNATELY, NJ. lie Chevalier de Nou-
ret has consented to leave this colony to-
night, and before the day dawns he will
doubtless be many miles away
The cheValler heard like one dumb and
Undecided, a great doubt t'4;ging at his
heart. He departed unstcadily in the d.
rection of the barracks
Here, my good fellow, hast seen Can
tain de Mouret?" he inquired of a s;rag-
ger.
The man saluted.
Yes, sire, he but lately went the path
towards the Bay"
How long snce?"
"A bare quarter of an hour ]Jn was
dressed for the forest and went alone
During this while ], placide de Mouret
stranger and outcast, sat upon n grass,
hillock awaiting PACKAGE with his boat
The echoes of my horn had died away ir
the night, and soon after l caught the
sound Of running feet, and heard a mans
voice calling my name as he ran To my
utter establishment ii was the chevalier
GREATNESS from his speed
rs it you-Captain de Mouret?"
1T :s-Chevalier," ! replied uncertain
at the first who the man could be.
Seeing him in such a state of mind
| knew the struggle had come There be
| times in every mans life when he recls
| lightly of consequences, and this was no,
my night for caring. | had, in a measure
| run away thus far from him, and he. no,
content with this, had pursued me past
| the limit of forbearance. So anticipating
| his own action, | began carefully TO take
| off my own coat, and remembered Will
| pleasure that it was not u slight rapie,
which now hung confidently by my side
NO. captain, not that. ] have sought
you this time in peace. See, L have nc
weapons
Suiting the gesture TO the speech hs
| flung wide his arms, and showed himself
| unprepared for battle
Captain, you ana ! have fought side ln
| side. You are man of courage and il
you have injured me You will render ms
]
| mand this of you now, that YOU return
| with me to Biloxi at once, upon my as
| surance as soldier that no harm vii
| there befall YOU This, sir, upon u sol!
diers honor"
1t was 4 most unexpected outcome tc
| scuch an interview. / hestatcd warily a
| his request, and then thinking it could
| make matters no worse, inquired
How long will you require me, and fcl
| what purposc?
The time will be most brief, momon
| should suffice. The purpose l canno
| give, but it will bring YOU into no dan
| ger l repeat, upon the word of ii MAJ
| of honor, that you will be permitted tt
| return safely as YOU came, and no on,
| will follow
| l must say, in spite of these protests
| ] did not want to go. But he pressed hi
| wish SO earnestly that | followed tn,
| chevalier down the winding path back t,
Biloxi not without great reputation how
| ever He walked rapidly in front, ant
| not word was exchanged between us
We passed the barracks and the COVER
| nor's house, where / thought TO stop, bu
| he led me on. Leaving the thicker por
tons of the little town, he soon pause,
| before his own gate and swung it open
| The wild thought now entered my brain
| that perhaps he had planned some terrlbl
revenge upon his wife, ard desired t,
torture me by forcing me to witness ii
| hung back at the gate. My own goo,
sword treasured ME, and he mounted t.:
| step to throw open the door.
] Come in, captain. / regret that | can
| not give you more sincere welcome
| Truly, there was nothing in the aspec
| OF the room to cause alarm Two laGio
! were inside. one at eitrer end of a si.!
| PIE working table--Agres and arothe
| lady, about her own figure whom | di,
not@~know. The elder woman locke,
| straight in my face with an anxious air.
| The chevalier did not formally preseu
me. Agnes dropped her head somewhat
| and never raised her eyes at my entrance
| 1t was most awkward situation. Al
| to what de Ia Mora contemplated | coul,
| not venture the widest guess: certainl,
no violence in the presence of this othe
lady who looked SO cool while yet so pale
| Captain de Mouret, as you hone 70
your souls salvation, conjure you t,
| tell me the whole truth. l do solemn,
| promise you, upon a soldiers honor, a
the very worst which may come. l will
only leave this colony, and will not njur,
any one
/ had seen de la Mora on many a field
| but never did he look stronger or nobe
than on that night His voice sounde,
full and clear despite the intensity of hi
| suffering.