The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-05-06

ing Serlgny srarng in the most unbe-
lieving and bewildered fashion at me-"
In Gods name, captain, what piece
of folly Is this, Tell mo all, for ofttimes
the success of the most careful plans
is governed BY just such u-ndercurrents
as this. of mans love or woman,s spite.
Go on, I listen"
L explained briefly Madame's posi-
ton, Serigny modelling his acauies-
cence: it was an old tale to him, ex-
cept he did not know Jerome's rela-
tons with Madame. OF her domina-
ton over the Duke Of Maine he was
well aware. When my story was fully
done he pondered for a long while in
silence. His sorrow was deep and sim
Sere.
Poor fellow: poor fellow; as noble a
lad as ever drew q sword. but in his
present frame of mind 1t is safer not to
trust him; he is capable of any act of
desperation. We will do our best to
protect his lady though. Where was I?
This matter has disturbed me-Oh,
yes, about to give our orders. You
see I am all ready to leave. L have but
decided on and then news needs only to
be given out. The king hesitates and
waivers; Chamillard is a mere refec-
ton of the royal whim. If we d. not
attack the Spaniard he will attack us;
1T Is simply a question of whether we
want the "a at Biloxi or Havana.
For my part I would rather Sc, Hav-
can not be delayed. A few days
more at the most. These dis
patches may decide. With these
before the king he will no longer doubt
my brother. but will place the blame
where it most properly belonCs-for In
the main, Louis is just. 1 would not
desire any greater pleasure than to see
the itching palms. these thieves who
sell their king for Spanish gold, will
take their last dance. Do you remain
here for as many as six days, this room
is at your disposal. Be quiet and dis
Greet; learn all and tell nothing. A
still tongue is the safest in these times.
The moment war is declared make all
speed for Dippe and we will up anchor
and away"
Serigny vas as happy as a boy at the
prospect Of action: the atmosphere OF
court i'll agreed with his fiery temper.
This was the gist of our plan of oper-
atoms, and it was SO arranged in de-
tail.
In a few moments Serigny left me.
taking the packet with him. and 1 in
excess of caution followed him at a lit
S'S 1oShiAlS SANU III lilo
and keeping the key in my pocket. I
bore his tall figure we'll in sight until
he passed out into the ~unfrequented
halls into that portion OF the palace
where the many shuttlecocks of for
tune congregated to laugh and talk and
plot and lie. Not long afater he came
back. sorely nettled and disappointed.
1T is done; the king has them in his
own hands; yet he does not talk; prom
Uses nothing; Is closeted with his min
listers; they must be of considerable
Importance. 1t is all secure for us, for
1 told him of my departure in the
morning to the colonies, and he as
of a very delicate nature, touching the
royal honor of the kings own blood
Besides much Is in cipher which it will
take time to read. Louis, you know,
would not admit, save to those nearest
his throne, the possession OF the secret
Spanish cipher"
The night passed by dismal and I'M
certain enough. l must confess to a
great sinking of the heart when l saw
Serigny's carriage roll away in the gray
of the early morning, leaving me abso-
lutely alone in my fathers land Of
France. where IN the short space of
two weeks so much had TRANSFERRED;
much to be ever remembered, much I
would have given worlds to forget.
IL law OCCIl d AlAOoI lOIlOIl III
detected looking creature that stood in
the great u that sunless morning,
peertng into the mists which had abb
sorbed the carriage. The solitude of
vast untrodden forests breeds not hat
vacant sense of desolation which we
children of nature feel in the crowded
haunts of men. Face after face, form
after form. voice after voice, yet not
n familiar countenance, not one re-
membered tone, not the glance of a
kindly re; all is new, all is strange, all
is seeming enmity. The detection OF
Jerome, my only comrade, was indeed a
cup Of bitterness. I dreaded to meet
him, not knowing what tack he might
cut away on. Yet I could not blame
him; it was more of pity I felt.
I recall with great delight some Of
the minor occurrences of the next three
or four days. After Serigny's depart
ure, every afternoon at imminent risk
l would take horse to SceauX, and pur-
suing a by-way through the forests
and fields, through which a wood-cut-
ter first led me. ride hard to catch a
glimpse of her who now occupied all
my thoughts. I wonder at this time
how l then held so firm by the duty of
returning TO the colonies, when the very
thought Of war n turmoil was so dis
tasteful to me. When I rode to Paris
and clothed myself once more In my
own proper garments, their friendly
folds gave me q new courage to meet
whatever fate might send.
1t may be pertinent to chronicle here,
what history has already recorded, the
result Of placing those dispatches In
the kings hands.
CONTINUED Next week.)
FORCE OF HABIT.