Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-24

an instant his sword was knocked out of
his hand by a blow from a dubbed musket
which disabled his arm, and he found HIM
self In the grip Of those who knew how to
hold him.
II am very sorry, monsieur, but the fault
is with you" said Pascal, and with sign
to the men he was led away. AS he passed
Lucette met him, but he would not look at
her, and hung his head that she might not
see the trace of modification in his face.
Il am sorry, monsieur" she said gently,
but was fighting for those dearer to me
than life."
I do not fight with women. mademoiselle,
and pardon your deceit
But you are hurt; let me bind your
ARM" she said solicitously, seeing that it
dangled at his side.
He drew himself up and looked at her
steadily as he replied:
Thank you, mademoiselle; the wound to
my arm is nothing, but you have killed my
| trust in the word of beautiful woman"
and he signed 70 the men in charge of him
| to take him on.
Y am sorry for him." she said to Pascal.
He brought it ON himself, the hot-headed
young fool" was the reply
How brave you are, monsieur! I saw
him rush at you and believed he would have
killed you. And you were so cool"
We had to avoid bloodshed, somehow.
and thank God we did so. And now, what
VIII be the next move from the castle when
TINS party, like the rest, don't return? How
shrewdly you held him in talk. made
molselle. You wasted half an hour at least,
ana now another is gone. 1t will be dark
Detore the duke gets here after ALL
am almost ashamed of my part"
murmured Lucette
:, Nay, It's all fair in war and-some other
lhlngs. But I am getting more afraid of
| you than ever" answered Pascal laughing
and turning to meet Gerard, who had been
| 10 tell Gabrielle the news and now came
up with her. She congratulated Pascal on
| the success.
We are strong enough now to hold the
pace throughout the night said Pascal
| to Gerard
Strong enough. too, to speak with force
behind us. If the governor comes, ] shall
declare myself to him."
He will come after this" said Pascal.
dryly. And while the light remains with
US we can best use it by settling the plan
| of defense
They were engaged in this when, as the
| dusk was falling, the approach of more
troops was announced. The house was soon
found to be surrounded and the governor
himself was seen, with de Probable at his
side, giving orders to the troops.
After some anxious minutes a demand
that the door should be opened was made
in loud voice. No answer was returned,
with the threat that it would be forced
Then Pascal showed himself at upper
window
by what right do you threaten force?"
he asked.
81 threaten it," cried the duke. 'as gov
ernor of MorvaiX."
you have no right, my lord duke am
holding it by command of the Lord Gerard
de Bourbon under the authority of your
suzerain, the Duke de Bourbon, whose Of
| fcer | am
| where is this Lord GerardT'
81 am here" said Gerard, stepping for
ward
The governor laughed contemptuously,
| and de Probable joined him.
Come out to me, then, that l may pay
| homage" he sneered. why didn't you an
nounce yourself before, that | might have
rendered it when you were prisoner IN
| the CASTER"
| time, and when L come for it, it will be with
| sufficient force at my back to exact it.
your noble lordship's caution is timely,
yet little suspicious considering all thihSs.
II YOU will not come out to me, open the
door of Malincourt that 1 may come in to
you l am more than wishful to render you
your due. 1 am anxious, promise you.
Il am the bearer of a dispatch to your
| lordship from my father which VIII prove
the commission l hold from him.
"By all means bring it me-
Il am sending it that you may see great
Bourbon's seal and signature, ana as ne
smoke a young lieutenant who had leIt the
house secretly made his way toward the
governor and handed him the paper.
The governor took it with scowl and
glanced at it.
'Have you any other 1orserles: ne oe
| manded. >,
"Submission in Gods name! And pray
what are your noble lordship's commands
| for me?"
| "That you at once dismiss the force that
| you have wrongfully brought against this
house and leave me and all here in peace.
ttHelrs peace!' roared the governor.
| "Here is my answer" and he tore the paper
In two and flung it into the messenger
face. bidding two of the soldiers seize MIN.
II have a further answer yet. If you do
not surrender yourself and an in the house
within an hour 1 will order my troops to
take it by force and burn it as the refuge
of murderer.
1--WE are in great strength and shall re-
sist you"
peril"
The governors reply was a threat, en-
phasized with an oath, as he wheeled his
horse round and rode off.
There goes the last chance of avoid
ing a conflict" said Pascal, as he and
Gerard watched him.
81 am not so sure answered Gerard
thoughtfully. I'VE have taken him by
surprise and set him problem, and he is
not so duil-witted to think the solution
can be found with just threat and
curse"
(To be continued)