The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-03-11
p X.

IsihlioNlh
CHAPTER x.
IN THE HOUSE OF BERTRAND.
1t would now have been a most SIN
Die matter for me to &C out un1noies.eu
beside the princess. And this IS VIVA
+ should have done had 1t not been 1or
an accident. While Vauban was tank
ing to the princess, l glanced roulu
the room to see if Ward was there, "
any other person likely to know OF lliis
business. There was one inquire e.lo'
ing about in the rear which wore q =
familiar look, yet l couiu noe '"'
had seen the man BEFORE. :.
When Vauban gave the order 70
allow us to pass land none else, TINS
mar very visibly took on an air OIL ap-
| prehension. He looked from one dooi
to the other and, finding all guaroeu'
| was quite alarmed. then, without pei.
ceiving himself observed. ne mahieg
himself with his former unconcerleu
manner There was something IN the
poise Of his head, his walk. which cams
as a we'll remembered thing from hoili'
secret niche Of memory
Now as the princess and WalKeo
out In front of u guard, this man fell,
as If naturally, into the rear or our
company, and attempted nonchalantly
to saunter u behind us. The guara
| at the door locked their Dayohels
across, barring his exit.
"By whose orders" he emanoe
with some show Of naughty indlgna-
ton, do you hold me a prisoner with
this disorderly rabble?"
"Marsal Vauban's." the sentry re-
| piled, unlmoved.
The man shrank back p~erceptibly;
! No r to~1r - IJ.t,rzr Ciphf Of him me
familiarity of voice and f1guhe required
more strongly, 1 stood still to look. he
turned his face. Broussard. l almost
spoke the name. Yes, beyond all per-
| adventure it was Broussard, disguised,
but still Broussard.
What q world of vain speculation this
| opened on the instant, speculation TO
which no answer came. How much
and what had I told him during our
voyage? How had he treasured 1t and
where repeated it? For I had now no
other thought than he was the spy
who brought Ward the packet de-
signed for Spain.
Come, my lord, are you dreaming?'
the princess broke in impatientty. l
had quite forgotten her.
mo, madame, L crave your patience,
inc beg attention q moment"
I then asked her hurriedly whether
she knew the young officer In charge
of Il escort, and whether She would
trust him to see her to a place OF
safety. She knew the lad as a gentle
man Of birth and reputed honor, so
with the guard and the marshal's or
ders felt herself safe. Despite the eff
fort to speak coolly my whole fraA
and voice qulvered with excitement at
prospect of winding up the entire af-
fair by n more stroke Of luck. See
ing which my lady icily inquired:
But why? Why do you fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to at
ford protection"
The half yelled scorn of her manner
cut me to the quick, but I determined
pose. My face still afush at her sug.
gestion Of cowardice, l replied earnest,
ly:
"Mademoiselle la Princesse-"
"Ah, you know me?"
I nodded.
And yet are willing to rellnquish the
honor of my escort?"
TT is duty, Mademoiselle la Prin.
cesse; stern and imperative duty"
h Placing her finger to her lips
address me simply as Madame
Madame. you wrong me; I would
not desert you while in danger; nov
$780, ~ y ~ Git A1u4lAo Wall
honor. A most urgent matter demand!
my presence there" pointing Inside
1T may cost my life. Had 1 better no
acquaint M. de Verrue with your char
acter? He will then be more circum,
spect?' She thought a space.
mo, you may tell him L am a WON
an-tell him of the stupid folly which
led me here tonight and brought {
brave gentleman into danger-but no
my name."
She would nave thanked me further
but I was all impatient to be inside
seeing which she graciously babe m,
go. I %bethought me then Of the packe
yet in my bosom, and knowing al
those within were to be searched l tool
a hasty resolution, born Of my con
fdence in the Princess. 1t may be sait
here that the lady whom I escorted OF
that memorable night was know
throughout the kingdom for her &c
centric tastes, and noted for neve
meddling with intrigues OF either stat,
or love. Her passion lay with he
dogs and horses, the hunt, and not /,
the trif1es Of a court.
Madame, will o not render me
service in return?" I felt my whole at
tttude to be imploring, SO warmly di,
l bespeak her grace.
CONTINUED Next Week.)