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

20 saunter out behind us. The guard
At the DOR locked their b~ayonets
cross. barring his exit.
by whose orders" he demanded
with some show Of baughty indigna-
tion, "do you hold me a prisoner with
this disorderly rabble?"
"Marsal Vauban's," the sentry re-
piled, unmoved.
The man shrank back ~perceptibly;
as l tool a longer sight of him the
familiarity OF voice and figuhe required
more strongly. l stood still to look. He
turned his face. Broussard! / almost
spoke the name. Yes, beyond all per-
adventure 1t was Broussard, disguised,
but still Broussard.
What a world of vain speculation this
opened on the instant, speculation to
which no answer came. How much
and what had / told him during our
oyage How had he treasured 1t and
where repeated 1t? For / 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. ]
had quite forgotten her.
mo, madame, / crave your patience,
and beg attention q moment"
l then asked her hurriedly whether
she knew the young officer In charge
Of u escort, and whether she would
trust him to see her to a place OF
safety. She knew the lad as q gentle
man Of birth and reputed honor, Sc
with the guard and the marshal's or
ders felt herself safe. Despite the eff
fort to speak coolly my whole Trace
n voice quivered with excitement at
prospect of winding up the entire af-
fair by one more stroke of luck. See
ing which my lady icily inquired:
But why? Why do o fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to af-
ford protection"
The half yelled scorn of her manner
u me to the quick, but l determined
not to be drawn aside from my pur-
pose. My face still aflush at her sug-
gestion Of c~owardice, / replied earnest
ly:
"Mademoiselle la Princesse-"
"Ah, you know me?"
l nodded.
And yet are willing to relinquish tn.
honor Of my escort?"
1T Is duty, Mademoiselle la Prin-
cesse; stern and imperative duty"
"Sh!" Placing her finger to her lips
address me simply as Madame"
Madame, o wrong me; l 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 nay cost my life. Had / better no
acquaint M. de Verrue with your char,
acter? He will then be more circum
spect?" She thought a space.
mo, o may tell him I am a wom-
an-tell him of the stupid folly which
led me here tonight and brought q
brave gentleman into danger-but not
my name"
She would have thanked me further
but l was all impatient to be inside
seeing which she graciously babe me
go. I bethought me then of the packet
yet in my bosom, and knowing al
those within were to be searched l took
q hasty resolution, born Of my con,
fldence in the Princess. 1t may be said
here that the lady whom l escorted or
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 hel
dogs and horses, the hunt, and not ir
the trif1es Of a court.
Madame, will you not render me
service in return?" 1 felt my whole at,
titude to be imploring, so warmly die
1 bespeak her grace.
Continued Next Weekly