Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-03

Many curious glances were cast after
the four as they hurried on their way. and
once or twice, when Pierre CHANGED to be
recognized. a question would be flung after
MIN as to the meaning of the trouble at
the castle But 10 one sought to stay
them, and good distance had been safe
~ put between them and the castle when
Gabrielle stopped before long, low-gabled
house in a dark by-street.
Il can get the guide we need here" she
said. She knocked at the door and en-
tered, to return in a couple of minutes.
There is bad news, 1 fear" she said.
Yor remember the man who was slain in
the market place, Babillon, the smith. This
is the house of his brother; he is entirely
to be trusted. He knows every inch of the
city walls and is often passing in and out
by secret ways when the gates are shut.
He says that something has occurred
which has put the guard on the alert, and
pass
Let me question him." said Gerard, and
they went together.
Greeting, good friar,'' said Babillon.
strong, 1.-THE, hard-faced, keen-eyed man,
saluting Gerard respectfully
Il am no monk, my good fellow, said
Gerard, but a soldier, and together with
mademoiselle here need your help to get
from the city. What is this you say has
occurred?"
"A command was sent out by my lord,
the governor, today, monsieur, that the
gates were to be closed and no one per-
LiitlCu " ledNt WltHOQt Il llCtilSe lTO.1 nilII-
self. Soon after that 1 was at the south
gate, having been stopped was hanging
round in curiosity, when a courier rode
up and was stopped likewise. A monk,
whom / recognized, was with him, and see
ing both were much disconnected. l follow
ed them and offered my services
Can you describe either?" asked Gerard
quickly.
1.-The monk was tall, erect, spare of figure,
with a blue eye sharp to read your thoughts,
quick of tongue, and accustomed to COM
mand, as l found afterward. noble. mon
sieur, and yet of winning condescension and
with a laugh where many another would
have a curse"
ut might be Pascal said Gerard to
Gabrielle. What next Babillon? You say
you recognized him.
II had seen him before, my lord 1t was
he who stood between you and the soldiers
when my brother was killed, mademoiselle
He told me that if l could get him two
men in secret from the city he would re-
ward me well; and when / showed him 1t
could be done, he carried me with him and
left me in charge of some monks-at least
they were dressed as monks. monsieur,
though my ears being trained to eaten
sounds readily. l heard more muttered
oaths among them than one looks to hear
from men of holy life. l served him, mon
sieur, and he paid me well; but twas TINS
work which has caused the city to be shut
like bears cage with the door barred
You got them away them?
1.-TWO separately while the light lasted
and two together after nightfall, but the
last piece was hazardous. They were seem
and / escaped capture by no more than
hairs breadth. And since then, at every
doubtful point where such thing cCuio
be attempted, soldiers have been posted:
'This is both good and i'll news you give,
friend. You have done that which Will
earn you higher reward than at present
I can name. But now, can you increase my
gratitude and get us past these guards!
Think 1t is Pascal. of course, he SAD TO
Do illpn stood thinking
He has trebled the messengers to Cam
brai Now, Babillon, how say you
There is the river" he answered shak
ing his head doubtfully. Men might DO
it, but" he glanced toward Gaorieiie anu
shook his head again.
Tell me-" said Gerard quickly.
ut runs for some three hundred yards ny
the walls between the north and east gates;
the walls are high there and no one would
look for an attempt at such spot; ana SO
the guards are but sparsely set nave
done it, but l have swan the stream.
can scale the walls and could plant rope
ladder for you all-but there is the stream"
and once more he shook his head as he
glanced toward Gabrielle.
you can go that way, Gerard she said
instantly Il can lie hid if need be"
I'VE shall not part he answered. Gould
we not get boat even some planks""
he asked Babillon.
1T would be full of hazard, monsieur
With such a watch set as there is tonight
we should almost surely be seen before we
had crossed. They would fire upon us. and.
even if we escaped their shots, they would
send round party from the eastern gate
to cut us off. But if you wish it, l am
willing"
when the disease calls for it. only a
coward shrinks from the knife. said Ge-
rard. I'VE must make the attempt and
leave the issue to heaven"
You had best wait here, monsieur while
/ make such preparations as l can: l may
be away some time: said Baoiilon, ana
he hastily outlined his plan.
Dubois and Pierre were brought into the
house and Babilon left Gerard explained
the nature of the desperate position to
Dubois, and the three men discussed 1t
anXiously with many secret mlSglvlngS,
while Gabrielle went to Babillon's wife, &C.
rard urging her to seek rest.
Il doubt we should do better to seek
refuge at Malincourt," was Dubois judg-
ment. This is a scheme for men, and not
for a dainty girl like Mademoiselle de Mali
court"
1--WE can but try was Gerard's reply.
Babillon was absent so long that all be-
gan to grow uneasy: but when he came he
explained that he had had much to do, and
he brought less cherries news.
Il have been to the spot, monsieur. and
found. as l hoped, that it is scarcely watch
ed at all. l have got help, too. A man on
whom / can rely as on myself, fisherman,
has his boat on the other bank of the river
some distance from the spot, and he will
help us. He scaled the wall while / was by
and swan the river without being seen, and
he will have his boat moored ready for us
right under the place where we shall leave.
l hope now that We shall win the way out
Are there many soldiers abroad?' asked
Dubois.
Yes, monsieur search parties, I learnt,
hunting for some of your prisoners, friend
Pierre, who have escaped from the castle.
But they will not trouble u.s. answered
Babillon. Il can lead you by ways they
will never suspect. Have no fear on that
score"
Gabrielle was reused and after some
words of caution from their guide they set
out. Babillon leading them through narrow
devious streets and alleys, where they met
no one.
I'VE are close to the spot now he re-
ported to Gerard, and they started again.
1.-The wall is yonder," he said, pointing to
it, Il shall climb it and fix the rope in
position, and / need not urge you to make
all haste in following and to keep silent
They watched him dart across the inter-
vening space at top speed stand for mo-
ment in the deep shaved of the wall. and
then begin the ascent. Gabrielles heart
began to beat fast with excitement and