Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-01
CHAPTER I.
The "Tiger of MorvaiX."


The hot noontide sun was pouring down
into the market place of Morvaix. In the
shadow cast by the great Cross of st. Jean
in the center, handsome but soberly
dressed cavalier was shelterng from the
fierce July heat and closely observing the
townspeople as they clustered here and
there to engage in eager, animated discus
sion
1t was plain even to a strangers eyes
that the townsfolk were greatly excited.
Discomfort, anger, fear and sorrow were
the emotions evinced among all save the
many soldiers who moved among the ex-
cited knots. with leers for the women and
oaths for the men.
The young cavaliers face darkened as he
listened, and more than once he started as
If he would interfere, but checked himself.
His keen, quick blue eyes were everywhere;
and presently catching sight of two closely
cowled monks clad in the black habit of
their order, who showed at a secluded cor
ner OF the square, he left his shelter and
went toward them quickly but cautiously.
As he reached them one gave him
monkiSh greeting and the other a military
salute.
Il half feared you had forgotten the ap-
pointment,' he said, in tone of author
ity; "and you are certainly forgetting your
part, Pascal. Monks don't salute like SOL
diers."
Don't know it?'' was the reply laugh
ingiy spoken. Il haven't trained all our
tough fellows in the monkish drill for moth
ing. I'll tell my beads against Dubois here
for stoup of wine" and taking in hand
the rosary which hung conspicuousy at his
side, he commenced to humble a string of
nonsense words, and laughed again.
Peace, man, peace!' said the other
monk, much older in years. You'll be
overheard and ruin all
''Tush! They'll only think it's my priest
ly Latin"
Il fear ought to have left you in Paris
Pascal, said the cavalier. Il was warned
your unruly tongue would play the mis-
chief with a scheme that calls for tact and
silence
Nay, my lord
Not my lord here. 1 am not Gerard de
Bourbon for few days | have borrowed
the family name of that dicing scoundrel
RaoUl de Cobalt, and am Gerard de Co
bait. Remember that and watch your
WORDS .,T umtll you have learnt that lesson"
shall not forget. This holy man here.
Dubois, will keep me in order" answered
Pascal with a smile
Tell me the news. Dubois"
All has gone you wished. The men
have all arrived; and yesterday l sought
an interview with the governor and did
all as you had directed"
He swallowed the bait?'
Readily. l told him that the cardinal
archbishop had sent him a hundred fighting
men for his troops and craved permission
for the hundred begging friars to remain in
the city until the pilgrimage southwark
could be resumed"
Good
II brought the monks in" interposed Pas
cal. "A hundred tough stalwarts every
man as sober as begging friar should be.
A fine achievement, NJ. de Cobalt, but it
will not last
What mean you?" asked Gerard quickly.
Soldiers are soldiers, and it takes more
than monks gabardine to change them.
When pretty girls come buzzing around,
craving A blessing, holy father and look
ing so sweet and piteous, it's not in nature,
at least in soldiers nature, not to kiss
EN-
There is reason in his madcap words,
Dubois" said Gerard after pause.
But we must wait till / have proofs"
he continued. When the news of the
governors evil doings came to my fathers
ears he sent me to learn the truth; and
while bidding me act as | would, enjoined
be to do nothing until had clear proofs"
Proofs broke in Pascal with swift
change to earnestness. In the DEVILS
nome what better proof of the mans deeds
could you find than that which is writ large
on the wretched, starving faces of the peo
rle?"
have seen little or nothing yet said Ge
rard. What is the meaning of this gath
eling?'
This devil spawn of a governor has
new ordinance to proclaim said Pascal.
He will tax afresh to half it's value every
ounce of foodstuff that comes into the city.
AS if the poor wretches were not already
half starving. And this tax will finish
them. Look at them and say if the gov
ernor is not justly dubbed the Tiger of
Morvaix?'
THE governor is coming now" put in
Dubois.
I'VE had not better be seen longer to-
gether. Where shall find you at need?'
1.-The duke has lodged Pascal and myself
in his castle" answered Dubois. and the
two were turning away when Gerard ex-
See, Dubois, see that man riding by the
side of the governor. Do you recognize
him?'
1T is that villain de Probable"
1.-The old rat, so II is declared Pascal
'If there is DEVILS work to be done in Nor
walk he'll be in it, Paris was too hot for
him. thought he was In hell by now"
Gerard did not wait to hear the conclu-
sion of the speech, but minglng with the
crowd watched the proceedings with close
interest.
1t was very strong force of soldlery.
both horse and foot, that gathered in the
market place around the statue, large
enough TO brush away like so many flies
the crowd of citizens, who fell back hushed
and awe-stricken before the muskets and
halberds.
The governor of the city, the Duke
Charles de Rochelle, seated on a coal black
Flemish animal, drew up in the center OF
the cleared space, and gazed with amused
contemptuousness on the shrinking burgh-
ers
1.-The eyes of a wild beast" thought
Gerard, who had been watching him in
tently. We'll named the Tiger
At signal from the governor, the herald
stepped forward amid blare of trumpets
and read the proclamation. The people
listened in dead silence; but at the close
loud murmurs broke out, which even the
presence OF the soldery could not check
1T means starvation to U.S. cried one
lusty voice. and a powerful fellow, a smith,