Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-05-18
coed, but not now. Who could tell but
he was on the floor at that moment?
So she rode on At High street she

were jaded. Learning that the prin-
cipal ones We're all full owing to the
presence OF the delegates. she found
her way to one of the more humble
hostelries on another street. 1t was the
Red Lion tavern.
The place seemed well nigh deserted
Had she known the significance of this
days sitting of the congress she would
have understood. AS it was, finding
no host in evidence, she went into the
parlor and sat down to await his ap-
pearance.
And, sitting so, from the hall and
coming nearer she heard the we'll re-
membercd voice of Jarrat.
A panic seized her. The packet-it
was in the lining of her cloak at that
moment. He must not see her! She
looked wildly about her, but there was
no door of escape. In desperation she
ran to the deep set window. 1t was
shut, but there were shalloon curtains
across the alcove, and she shrank be-
hind them as the door flew open.
Jarrat came in noisily. One of the
inn servants was ut his heels.
81 would speak with monseigneur,"
he said. Request him to be so good as
to honor me here" He stood smiling
redly as the servant went, and Anne
watched him from between the cur
tains with fascinated gaze.
EAT last" he muttered. "The final
stroke, and still all goes we'll If Ar
mand succeeds for us, then advance
ment and favor for me. The king must
reward me, for the plan was mine
alone"
"Armandw Anne's heart had given n
great leap. Jarrat knew where he was,
what he did. "If he succeeds for u.s."
What meant those strange words?
Again step in the hall, again the
door opened, scraping servant said,
"Monseigneur," and again Anne's heart
leaped, for the man who stood on the
threshold clad in full costume Of pur-
pie velvet was Armand. Armand, but
sparer of feature, with shadows be-
meath the eyes. Yet they looked out
with all their old nobility and with n
strange fire. She knew now where she
had seen that fret was in Henry's
face-the fire of steadfast purpose that
knows no quenching.
Armand! Escaped from Dunmore's
clutches, safe and in Philadelphia! She
wanted to rush out to him, to cry to
him that she had done the best she
could, had come to fulfill her promise
at last. But what did he with Jarrat?
"So!" the latter said. "As bravely
trimmed as ever. IT'S the dress of a
prince"
"AIy good Pliarne has the best of
TASTE" On Armand's face was a
strange smile.
You have cozened him beautifully.
I doubt not he expects reimbursement
from his king"
my king" corrected Armand softly.
"Keep it up" laughed Jarrat. "'Tis
never forgetting makes good play
actor. Faith, 1t minds me Of the old
Virginia days. Then you posed as only
marquis. We rise in the world. Yes
terday in prison cell at Halifax, to-
day this little plan, release, and, presto,
behold Louis secret envoy. Well, you
are near to the purchase Of your par
don. The time is almost here. A half
hour more and you will enter the state
house. You lack not assurance. Here is
the letter you will deliver to the con-
gress.. ,-----,----
Armand took the paper he handed
him and put it in his breast.
"'Tis signed with De vergennes'
name, of course" went on Jarrat, "and
tits a clever enough forgery to trick
even Poor Richard for the time being.
Aid in return for territorial compensa-
tion-now If 'twere only Louis XIV!
'Twould be like the old skinfint. Me
thinks twill be wet blanket to allay
this fever for Declaration. Twill
suffice to tide over till these patriot
addle pates come to their senses"
Anne's mind was in clamor, hide
GUS, unmeaning clamor Of surprises,
from which single fact stood out with
the clearness of black silhouette etcll-
ed on white paper = Armand, not es-
capped, but released-released- be-
fore the congress with lying message,
message Of Encouragement going
now, this very hour, and the plot was
Jarrat's.
1t was for single heart beat as If
the sun were darkened, as If all joy were
blotted from the universe. Then, peer
Ing out she saw his eyes, and the bit
ter scene ut GLADDEN. Hall rose to her
like vision. She saw him dragged
away, and with the vision she felt
strong, triumphant-the terrible, joyful
rebellion Of her own belief in him that
would not doubt.
II could not have devised 1t better
myself" Jarrat was speaking again.
There is not soul in congress who
could recognize you as the Louis Ar
mand seized ut Williamsburg. Luckily,
Henry is in the Virginia convention.
The devil holds cards with U.s."
"And this" said Armand, as if to
himself, "has been the DEVILS DEAL"
AYE! But tits time for us to start.
Pliarne will be there by now" lie con
suited his watch. ''Ten minutes to
ride thither. l have horses at the door.
! shall go with you US one of your suit.
Luckily, shall not be known. 1 must
not miss the delight of recounting this
Interesting event in detail in Virginia.
Can you guess" with n malign smile,
to whom in especial, monseigneur?"
A red flush leaped into Armand's
cheek, and his teeth clinched convul-
sively. 1t was rs If great wave of
passion dashed the man and left him
tense and white His tone, however, re.
NAMED as low as ever.
"You hound" he said. "You prowl-
ing wolf of tho dark, who know no
truth, no trust no faith; who, being
vile, think all else vile the same! Thank
God that to that one-to her-my honor
was always unstained! She believe
you? No! Never! I go alone to the
congress! You go no farther with mep'
A facial contortion drew Jarrat's lips
from his teeth. He stood in leaning
posture, his llnuckles fiat upon the ta-
Bile between them, thriving suspicion
In his look. A fit Of shuddering seized