The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-03-11
CHAPTER 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 a it not been for
an accident. While vauban was talk
ing to the princess, l glanced round
the room to see tf Ward was there, or
any other person likely to know of this
business. There was n figure stroll
ing about in the rear which wore a
familiar look, yet I could not say l
had seen the man before.
When Nauban v the order to
allow us to pass and none else," this
man very visibly took on an air Of ap-
prehension. He looked from one door
to the other ana, finding all guarded.
was quite alarmed, then, without per-
ceiving himself observed, he manned
himself with his former unconcerned
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 I walked
out in front of our guard, this man fell.
as ie naturally, into the rear of our
company. n attempted n~onchalantly
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. do you hold me a prisoner with
this disorderly rabble?"
"Marsal Vauban's." h sentry re-
piled, unmoved.
The man shrank back perceptibly;
as 1 took a longer sight of him the
Familiarity of voice and figuhe REQUIRED
more strongly. l stood still to look. He
turned his face. Broussard! I almost
spoke the name. Yes, beyond all per-
adventure it was Broussard. disguised.
but still Broussard.
What a world of vain speculation this
opened or h instant, speculation to
which no answer came. How much
voyage? How had he treasured 1t and
where repeated it? For l 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 impatiently. I
had quite forgotten her.
No. madame, l crave your patience.
and beg attention q moment"
1 then asked her hurriedly whether
she new the young officer in charge
of our escort. n 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 Trace
and voice quivered with excitement at
prospect of winding up the entire af-
fair by Il more stroke Of luck. See
ing which my lady icily inquired:
But why? Why 10 o fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to af-
ford protection"
/ L TJ,n hole 1-ailcI coo~, @f 1nr nrr
cut me to the quick, but l determined
not to be drawn aside from my pur.
pose. My face still af1ush at her sug-
gestion Of c~owardice, l replied earnest
ly:
"Mademoiselle la Princesse-"
"Ah, o know me?"
I nodded.
And yet are willing to %relinquish the
honor OF my escort?"
ut 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 you While in danger; now
1 may give you into safer hands with
honor. a most urgent matter demands
my presence there" pointing inside
ut may cost my life. Had I better moi
acquaint NJ. de Verrue with your char
acter? He will then be more circum-
spect2" She thought a space.
mo, you may tell him 1 am a WON
an-tell him Of the stupid folly which
led me here tonight and brought 8
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 gr%aciously babe ms
go. I b%ethought me then Of the packet
yet in my bosom. n knowing al
those within were to be searched I took
a hasty resolution. born of my con
1dence in the Princess. 1t nay be said
here that the lady whom I escorted or
that memorable night vas 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 hel
dogs and horses. the hunt. and not ii
the trifles Of a court.
Madame, will you not render me 6
service in return?" I felt my whole at
titude to be imploring. SO warmly die
I bespeak her grace.
CONTINUED Next Week.)
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