The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1904-03-09

That night, when the town lay Steep
ing, a turbaned host armed with yata-
ghans stole through the Towering cac-
fuses. Sesame! The gate opened to
them; they swarmed within. The sol
diers, surprised, could render little re-
sistance The ruthless invaders cut
them down while they were sleeping or
before they could sound the alarm.
! The bravest blood of France flowed
lavishly in the face of the treacherous
onslaught--blood of men who had been
his fastest friends, among whom he
had been so popular for his dauntless
courage and devil-may-care temerity.
But a period, fearfully brief, and the
beloved tricolor was trampled in the
dust The barbarian flag of the emir
foated in its place.
"All these particulars and the part
Saint-Prosper played in the terrible
drama Abd-el- Kader. who is now our
prisoner, has himself confessed. The
necessity for secrecy you, my dear
marquis, will appreciate. The publicity
of the affair now would work incalcu-
liable injury TO the nation. 1t is imper
alive to preserve the army from the
faint of scandal. The nation hangs on
a thread. God knows there is iniquity
abroad. |, who have labored for the
honor of France and planted her flag
in distant lands, look for defeat not
through want Of bravery, but from in
ternal causes. A matter like this might
lead to a popular uprising against the
army. Therefore the king wills it shall
be buried by his faithful servants"
AS Mauville proceeded Susan re-
manned motionless, but when he con-
cluded she leaned back with a pleased
smile.
"Well?" he said finally.
"How piquantly wicked he Isl" she
exclaimed.
"Piquantly, indeed" repeated the
land baron.
"And he carries 1t without a twinge!
What petrified conscience! That ac-
counts for his unwilllngness to talk
about Africa" went on Susan. "Sol-
diers, as a rule, you know, like to tell
all about their sanguinary exploits.
But the tented field was a forbidden
topic with him. And once when l asked
him about Algiers he was almost rude
ly evasive."
''He probably lives in constant fear
his secret will become known" said
Mauville thoughtfully. "As a matter
of fact, the law provides that no per-
son is to be indicted for treason unless
within three years after the offense.
The tribunal did not return an indict-
ment. The three years have just ex-
pired Did he come to America TO
make sure Of these three yearsT
But Susan's thoughts had fitted to
another feature of the story.
How strange my marquis should be
connected with the easel What an old
compliment monger he was! He vowed
he was deeply smitten with me-"
"And then went home and took to his
bedr' added Mauville grimly.
"You wretch said the young wom-
an playfully. $50 that is the reason the !
dear old molly coddle did not take me
to any of the gay suppers he promised?
Is It not strange Saint Prosper has not
met himT
you forget the marquis has been |
to his room since his brief, but |
courtship of you. His in
fatuation seems to have brought him to |
the verge of dissolution"
"Was it not worth the price?" she re-
torted, rising. But see my sister and |
Adonis are going, so l must be off too. |
So glad to have met you"
You are no longer angry with me"
mo; you are very nice" she said.
And you have forgiven me?"
"Need you ask?" pressing her hand.
Good evening, Mistress Susanw
"Good evening. Oh, by the way, l
have an appointment with Constance
10 rehearse a little scene together this
evening. Would you mind loaning me
hat letterT'
with pleasure; but remember your
"Promise?' repeated the young wo-
nan.
"Not to tell"
ooh, of course" said Susan.
"But if you shouldn't
"ThenH
"Then you might say the marquis,
your friend and admirer gave you the
etter: 1t would, perhaps, be easier for
you to account for 1t than for me-"
Susan's feet fairly danced as she flew
oward the st. Charles and burst into
room, brimful of news and
Importance. She remained there for
ome time, and when she left it was
her spirits were still high.
To be Continued.