Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-03-10

to oaunter out behind US. The guard
1T the door locked their bayonets
across, barring his exit.
"By whose orders" he demanded
with some show of naughty indigna
ton, do you hold me a prisoner with
this disorderly rabble?''
'Marsal Vauban's,' the sentry re-
Piled, unmoved.
The man shrank back perceptibiy;
as l took longer sight of him the
familiarity of voice and tguhe REQUIRED
more strongly. l stood still TO look. He
turned his face. Broussarl! l almost
spoke the name. Yes, beyond all per-
adventure it was Broussard, disguised.
but Still Broussard.
What world of vain speculation this
opened on the instant, speculation to
which no answer came How much
and what had l told him during our
voyage? How had he treasured it and
where repeated it? For l had now no
other thought than he was the spy
who brought Ward the packet de-
signed for Spain.
Come, my lord are YOU dreaming?"
the princess broke in impatiently. l
had quite forgotten her.
No, madame. crave Your patience,
and beg attention a moment"
L then asked her hurreals- whether
of our escort, and whether she would
trust him to see her to a place of
safety. She knew the lad as a gentle
man of birth and reputed honor, so
With the guard and the marahal's or
ders felt herself safe. Despite the eff
fort to speak coolly my whole Trace
and voice quivered With excitement at
prospect of winding up the entire af-
fair by one more stroke of luck. See
i,,c ioh 1o1 ici1
But why? Why do You fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to af-
ford protection.
The half yelled scorn OF her manner
cut me to the quick, but l determined
not to be drawn aside from my pur
pose. My face still aiiush at her sug-
gestion of cowardice, replied earnest-
ly:
'Mademoselle Ia Princesse-"
'Ah. you know me-
! nodded.
and yet are willing to relnanish the
honor of my escort?
1T is duty, Mademaiselle In Firm
cesse; stern and Imperative duty"
Ssh" Placing her finger To her lips,
address me simply as Madame
Madame. you wrong me; would
not desert you while In danger; now
l may give you into safer hands with
honor. A most urgent matter demands
my presence there" pointing inside
1T may cost my life. Had better not
acquaint M. de Nerrue With your char
acter? He will then he more circum-
spect?" She thought space.
No, you may tell him am wcm-
an-tell him of the stupid folly which
led me here tonight and brought a
brave gentleman into danger-but not
my name.
She would have thanked me further,
but 1 was all impatient to be inside,
seeing which she graciously babe me
go. bethought me then of the packet
yet In my bosom, and knowing all
those within were to be searched took
a hasty resolution, born of my con-
fidence in the Princess. 1t may be said
here that the lady whom l escorted on
that memorable night was known
throughout the kingdom for her &C.
centric tastes. and noted for never
meddling With intrigues of either state
or love. Her passion lay with her
dogs and horses. the hunt, and not in
the trifles of court.
Madame, will you not render me a
service in return?" l felt my whole at
titude to be imploring. SO warmly did
I bsspeak her grace.
CONTINUED Next Week)