Idaho Springs siftings., 1904-12-24

!" 'Tis false" declared Margot. for
getting everything like habitual 70
spect.
1T is not Etienne retorted: and
you are a liar when you say other
wise"
Jean. with paling face. his burning
eTes fastened upon his brother.
seemed stunned.
1T is not" Etienne repeated less
vehemently. ''as Pere Huot could tell
You. If you asked him. My mother.
the late baronne, died but three years
ago. in. regret to say. madhouse.
at Paris, But mad, or sane. she was
the baronne: and that other woman,
the mother OF your young whelp there.
was no wife of my fathers, as you
must now admit. The church would
never recognize her as his wife. he
being true Catholic. and no priest
performing the marriage ceremony
between him and that cursed Hugue-
not"
Etieune uttered an epithet too vile
for repetition-an epithet that stung
to madness the listening boy. who.
with cry of rage, such as might
come from a new Cain wakened to
life. snatched a dagger from bric-a-
brac strewn upon nearby table. and,
springing upon Etienne. drove the
rusted blade into his side.
The slight form reeled and fell,
crumpled heap. upon the floor, while
Margot. with shrek that brought
the soldier flying from his post in
the hall. fell upon her knees. and
tried. with her apron, to stanch the
flowing blood.
Jean had turned to flee; but an iron
grip on his shoulder held him. and.
looking up, he fell to trembling and
shivering. as he met the stern eyes of
his friend, looking as he had never
before seen them.
Where would you go2' inquired a
low voice, whose measured calm
matched the look OF the eyes.
The boy stood silent.
The lieutenant, still holding him
fast. moved to where Margot and the
soldier were kneeling beside Etienne.
and Jean met the wild-eyed regard OF
the wounded man, from whose white
lips now poured food of profanity.
mingled with threats of vengeance
against the boy. whom he ordered to
leave the apartment.
The lieutenant turned away with .
scornful laugh, half-suppressed. but
which Jean heard: and. taking heart.
the lad looked beseechingly upward.
as II asking pardon for his mad act.
Come away-comc away. my De
Soto" whispered the officer: and
bending he kissed the tear-wet cheek.
He has venomous nature. truly. and
one cannot be greatly blamed for
treating dog as he deserves"
Then, gathering up the papers at
which he had been looking. he thrust
them into his pocket, and motioned
Jean to follow him from the room.
Here Margot joined them. on her
way to summon Tatro. that he might
assist the soldier In getting Etienne
to his own apartments.
Early next morning the household
was astir-all save Etienne. who. al.
though his wound proved to be but
slight, kept TO his bed. with Tatro IN
attendance; and before noon all but
these two had left the chateau and
set out upon their various routes
Margot with Jean and Perry, for ToH
lon, in company with the soldier Grs-
loire. sent by the lieutenant to eseo-t
them.
At a fork In the highway. where
their roads parted. Jean turned in his
saddle to look after the slender fig,
ure riding away at the head of his
men
Turning his head, as IL he felt tie
boys longing eyes. the lieutenant
smiled and waved his hand. Then.
putting spurs to his horse. he rode
swiftly from sight. followed by his Sol
diers.
After a last backward look tow I'd
the vacant space that had held the
one he loved best on earth. Jean
started his horse onward. to overtake
the numbering vehicle. driven by
Pierre, and containing Margot and al
the travellers belongings.
ITO be continued)