The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1904-03-10
p X.

CHAPTER X.
IN THE HOUSE OF BERTRAND.
1t would now have been a most sim
| pie matter for ME to go out unmolested
beside the princess. And this is what
[ should have done had it not been for
ing to the princess. l glanced round
the room to see if Ward was there, or
any other person likely to know Of this
business. There was one figure stroll
ing about in the rear which wore a
familiar look, yet l could not say I
mad seen the man before.
When Vauban gave the order to
allow us to pass and none else," this
man very visibly took on ar air of ap-
p~rehension. He looked from n door
to the other and, finding all guarded,
was quite alarmed, then. without per-
ceiving himself observed, he manned
himself with his former u%nconcerned
manner. There was something In the
poise of his head, his walk, which came
as a we'll Remembered thing from some
secret niche Of memory.
Now as the princess and l walked
out in front of our guard, this man fell,
as If naturally, into the rear of our
company, and attempted no~nchalantly
to saunter out behind us. The guard
at the door locked their bayonets
across. barring his exit.
by whose ORDERS" he demanded
with some show of naughty indigna-
ton, d you hold me a prisoner with
this disorderly rabble?"
"Marsal Vauban's," the sentry re-
piled. unmoved.
The man shrank back p~erceptibly;
as I tool a longer sight of him the
familiarity of voice and figuhe required
more strongly. / 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 1Broussard.
What a world Of vain speculation this
| opened On the instant, speculation to
which no answer came. How much
and what had | told him during u
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 o dreaning?"
the princess broke in impatiently. I
had quite forgotten her.
mo, madame, l crave your patience,
and beg attention a moment"
I then asked her hurriedly whether
she knew the young officer in charge
of u escort, and whether she would
trust him to see her to a place of
safety. She knew the lad as e gentle
man of birth and reputed honor, so
with the guard and the marshaIs or
ders felt herself safe. Despite the ef-
fort to speak coolly my whole Trace
and voice quivered with excitement at
prospect Of winding up the entire af-
fair by n more stroke of C See
ing which my lady Jelly inquired: .
But why? Why do you fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to af-
ford protection"
The half yelled scorn OF her name
cut me to the quick, but I determined
not to be drawn aside from my pur-
pose. My face still atiush at her sug-
gestion Of cowardice, l replied earnest
ly:
"Mademoiselie la Princesse-'
"Ah, you know me?"
1 nodded.
"And yet are willing to relinquish the
honor OF my escort?"
1T is duty, Mademoiselle la Prin-
cesse; stern and imperative duty
"Sh!" Placing her finger to her lips.
address me simply as Madame"
Madame, you wrong me; I would
not desert o lille In danger; now
I may give you into safer hands with
honor. A most urgent matter demands
my presence there" pointing inside,
II may CoSl NY NE. f1iu i DSlleF not
acquaint M. de Verrue with your char
acter? He will then be more circum-
spect?" She thought a space.
mo, you may tell him I am a wom-
an-tell him of the stupid folly which
led me here tonight and brought a
brave gentleman into danger-but not
my lame"
She would have thanked me further,
but ! was all impatient to be inside,
seeing which she graciously bade me
| go. l bethought me then OF the packet
yet in my bosom, and knowing all
those within We're to be searched I took
a hasty resolution. born Of my con-
tidence in the Princess. 1t may be said
here that the lady whom 1 escorted on
that memorable night was known
throughout the kingdom for her &c
centric tastes. and noted for never
meddling with intrigues Of either state
or love. Her passion lay with her
dogs and horses, the hunt. and not in
the triies of a court.
Madame, will you not render me a
service In return?" I felt my whole at
titude to be imploring, sc warmly did
l bespeak her race.
Continued Next Weekly