Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1904-12-29

Sid NToW YOUR utmgtgs I Will ElNN
you this ring Of mine" and she drew
one from her finger. Il wish You TO
wear Il. and to think II says always,
'Roselle de Cazeneau gave me 20 you;
and she will always pray for you
that you may be a gallant gentleman,
loyal to what is true and right Will
you have the ring say this to your"
Her words touched deeply the boys
chiYalric, impulsive nature; and bend
ing over the hand that proffered the
ring, he pressed his lips to the jew
eled fingers.
Thank YOU" he said, as, now with
a smile, she slipped the little circlet
upon the fourth finger of his left
hand; and the touch of her own, warm
aad gentle, sent a thrill Of delight
through his young veins.
81 shall never forget YOU" he de-
clared looking up into her face; "and
no matter what or where | may be,
you and yours will always have my
love and service"
1T is now my turn to thank you"
she said; "for"-and a farseeing look
chased the smile from her eyes
who shall say but that I or mine
may call upon you to make good your
prOmlse?"
Before he could reply, they were in
terrupted by the entrance of Laro,
with Thiel close behind him; and fol-
lowing the two was Pierre, who with
open eyes and mouth stared about
him wonderingly.
Laro gave his orders hastily, but
clearly, after which he turned to
Pierre, who stood near him.
Good night, my boy; l am sorry
you are not TO go with me, for | would
like greatly to have your stout heart
and strong arm aboard the 'Aigle.'
You will come with me next timer"
laying his hand on the boys Shout
der
Jean remained silent, standing with
lowered eyes, while the bell tangled
n second time.
I'm be in this port again within
two years." added Laro. and then
am sure you will be ready to come
with me. Until then, dear lad, good
night" And he moved away, mo
tioning for the others to follow.
Good night, Jean, and adieu," said
Roselle, as she was about to pass
him. do not forget me, nor what
have said to you"
She was gone, leaving the boy
standing mute, sensible of the odor of
violets, and regretting ruefully his in
| ability to have acknowledged her gra-
cious farewell. But the sound of
Thiel's voice soon aroused him from
his self-reproachings
Come" the landlord said sharply
come with me-"
The hooks of a rope ladder were
soon fastened into two iron rings bolt.
ed to the rock. A coil of rope was
then put through the opening, and
| lowered carefully, until Laro, who
kept a hand upon It, felt it grow taut
with a pull from below
Good night again, boy; my heart
is sorry to leave thee behind" he said
to Jean, who was close to him. Good
by, again, and good luck"
He had, while speaking, stepped
| through the opening, and, as the fare.
well came from his s-disappeaTed
down the ladder.
Ropes were fastened under the
arms of the young girl and of her
maid. One of the counts friends fol-
lowed Laro; then the maid after him;
next the count himself, and then his
| daughter, the two remaining gentle.
men going last OF all.
There was no sign Of fighting when
Jean and Pierre left lie Chen Hen.
reux that night; and the sough Of
| the rising wind was all that broke
the silence.
Next time will surely CO." Jean
said to himself, as he and Pierre, at
ter putting out the light which Mar
got had left for them, took of theiI
shoes and crept softly upstairs to theil
respective bedrooms. "Laro said he
would return within two years; and
in two years | shall be larger, and
she will not call me boy. will go,
and will find her"
ITO be continued)