The Holly chieftain., 1904-12-30

noticed the suggestive motion of the
head and hand, as. with slightly
arched eyebrows, he looked once more
toward Jean, who was still standing
beside the fireplace. But the boy was
quick to see these. and understood
that he might expect to find Greloire
outside.
Allowing what he felt to be a proper
amount of time to pass after the latter
had closed the door behind him, Jean
put on his cap. and having motioned
to Pierre, they both followed, regard
less of Laro's declaration that it was
earlier than usual, and not yet time
for them to start fer home.
The two boys, with occasional sharp
glances around, passed along the al
most deserted street. Presently
Pierre. after quick look over his
shoulder. gripped Jeans arm.
There is a man who looks like
Greloire coming on just behind us"
He had scarcely spoken when a
swift but cautious football came close
behind him, and hand caught his
shoulder, while Greloire said in care
fully lowered voice, ITEMS! My quick
witted comrade, how are you?"
"As you see, or might, were 1t not
so dark" replied Jean, grasping the
soldiers hand. And you"
Much better for the fine supper
have been eating" said Greloire, a
note of laughter in his voice.
Pierre now fell behind, and the
three stepped more briskly.
What have you to tell me?" in
quired Jean, after they had gone z
! few PAGES, and Greloire remained si-
| lent
Did your lieutenant send you--was
he wishing to know of me?" asked
| Jean eagerly But there was no an
swer.
well, yes, and no." replied Gre
loire, speaking slowly, as if consider
ing his words, and adding, as he
looked down into the boys upraised
face, which even the dim light of the
stars showed to be filled with keen
disappointment. Surely you have
every reason to know his love for you;
and he is one who never forgets. But
his days are now filed with that
which leaves little time for him to
think of anything but this siege. He
tionary forces"
He without, and you within, fight
ing against him!" burst from Jeans
| lips, as he drew himself away.
-"Sh-h!" whispered the soldier.
These streets may seem deserted; !;
but It's as well not to speak loud
words for the winds may carry them
to where the wrong ears may hear
them"
Jean laughed softly, and came clcser
to Greloire.
| "Aha-I see how it is"
BE all the more careful, then, my
young master" warned the soldier.
There was silence for time, while
the three walked slowly along until
they reached street where the
houses were far apart; and the last
one of all, from whose windows came
faint CLEAN of light, Jean pointed
out to Greloire as his present abode.
And so that is where you are liv-
ing" said the soldier, as they stood
looking toward it. Il tell you, lad,
that had l the chance to possess so
quiet a home, should stop within it,
and not be wandering into such sham
bles of carnage and blood as is the
city now. Take my advice, and keep
away from lie Chen Heureux. I can
now come to your house; and that will
be the best place for me to see you.
But, if you are to undertake the mis-.
sion of which | spoke, the less you
see of that scoundrel Laro, the better
will it be-"
"Laro is my friend" declared Jean,
his quick temper rising like flash
of fire. ''He is my friend, and even
you must not name him in such fash.
ion to me-"
\ "So?" said Greloire calmly. taking
this hand from the boys arm. "Then
doubt If you are to be trusted, and
regret telling you as much as have.
Laro is not to be trusted. He is al
most old enough to be your father:
and, his suspicious once aroused, he
has sufficient ,craftiness to surprise
your secret, and use it for our harm. "
Jean was silent, and Greloire went
on in a milder tone. Now tell ma
were you in my place would you not
think twice before risking secrets with
such kceper-one who cares so
much for I.aro as to have temper with
an older friend, who, knowing the
mans reputation, warns you against
him.
Il am not angry, Greloire," declared
Jean penitently "and regret that