Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1904-03-12

opeDlHS IL uOOr, pointed out the place
we asked for. Imagine my utter as
constituent when we stood together
within the gaming room at Bertrand's.
What an Internal fool / had been to be
tempted into this very place OF all 9TH
ers. i thought at once 1t was some
cowardly trick of Wards. 1 sliced
the woman by the arm, for 1 supposed
her then but another decoy; there was
no telling how far this Spanish intrigue
had gone or what high personages
Madame du Maine might be able to en-
list In furtherance of her schemes. l
sliced her firmly, and had taken one
step back towards the door again,
when her cold ringing voice undeceived
me.
What means my lord; I thought him
a gentleman. Shall l appeal for pro-
lection to these low men here7"
There was such q truth in her low
tones that I cast her free, and in some
measure explained my thought.
We'll, well, we'll not quarrel here"
and looking about her with eager Gu
riosity, she chose a table where fewest
players sat, and th~itherwards we went.
from the others, against a pillar, and
10 gamesters sat on the side next the
wall. 1t left but scant space to sit be-
tween. There we took our places, and
the lady tumbled out a purse we'll
filled with gold pieces, handed
some to me and babe me play.
She laid her wagers, and won with the
glee of a child, her face alternate
flushed and pale. l could see / wronged
her by %supposing her in league with
the place. She played in too feverish
earnest.
During this while I had observed the
same w men who a met me on the
stair the previous night. They were
walking about and carelessly looking
on at the different games. Yet for all
their nonchalance there was a we'll
defined method In their procedure, that
attracted my attention. The taller
man scanned every person in the hall,
and when the lady and l came in he
watched us intently.
His companion-the same as on the
previous night-withdrew to talk.
After some consultation they reached
a decision. Together they came our
way, and the tall man clapped his hand
twice.
At the signal, for such 1t was, from
every table rose a ma or two, and
ranged themselves about him, who
called. I could also see a guard sud
denly stationed, as If by magic, at each
point OF exit. Where, here and there,
a cloak was thrown back, the CLEAN of
a uniform showed beneath.
There, my lads. is our quarry; take
them," commanded the tall a point
ing to us.
I cursed myself for a silly fool to
run again into such danger.
The dispatches in my bosom would
hang me, n I dared not explain my
possession of them. 1t was plain, too,
that the kings officers, as we'll as
Serigny, had their suspicious Of the
place. 1t was too late now for peni-
tence, 1t was time to act.
The lady arose so trembling and
frightened that my courage all came
back to me. She forgot her gold pieces
lying on the table in front of her.
My lord" she whispered, you must
protect me; 1t would be the scandal of
all France were 1 to be discovered in
such a place"
imminent danger, and I b%ethought my
self what best to do. They could ap-
proach me by but one side, and while
I considered a parley with the officers,
heard a glad little cry from the lady.
She calmly gathered up her gold and
restored 1t to her purse, as * the mat
ter were already settled, though ]
could see no change in the front of
those around us. AS the soldiers would
have pulled the table away, she babe
them wait, and said: IT would speak
to your leader"
The tall man asked: And what
would you say? We have no time to
talk"
1T Is not to you, I know you both:
I would speak to my lord by your
side"
With that, the other, who had re-
manned rather in the background, came
forward, and she took him aside where
none could hear, save myself a word or
two. The lady spoke to him In a low,
quiet tone, and raised her mask O lit
tie. The man started back, then re-
moved his cap deferentially. l was
close enough to hear his exclamation:
"Mademoiselle la Princesse."
Hush" she placed her finger on he
lips, h does not know" indicating me
by a gesture,
1 was as astonished as he, but had
no further anxiety. No officer would
dare arrest a princess Of the blood in
such a place,
What does Mademoiselle do in Ber-
trand's gaming house?"
1T is not for you to question, my
lord" she drew herself up coldly. Il
chose 1t. Now 1 would go. Provide
an escort for me- and the gentleman
who has the honor to accompany me-
She came back to me smiling. 1--WE
will go in peace. 1t Is Vauban. 1t
must be no trifiing matter to fetch
him out tonight. 1 wonder who 1t is
he seeks?"
7 thought I could enlighten her, per-
haps, but kept a still tongue.
Vauban CAV a quiet order to the tall
man, who, 1t appears, was in command
OF the squad, which order he in turn
communicated to them.
I'VE nave made q mistake. Permit
these gentlemen to pass out, and lone
else"
Vauban then interrupted:
DE Verrue, do you take ten men and
escort these, these-gentlemen where
they WILL"
A young officer stepped forward al
the word, but seemed not pleased, tc
leave in face of more exciting events.
Nay, nay, boy do not look so glum
take my word, 1T is an honor a marshal
OF rance would assume did not stern
er duties bid his stay"
My lady tossed her purse to the ser
geant as she passed:
divide this with your men, and
drink a health to-well-the Princess