The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-03-11
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
an accident. While Vauban was talk
ing to the princess, I 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 1
a seen the man before.
When Vauban gave the order to
allow us to pass land none else,' this
man very visibly took on an air of ap-
prehension. He looked from one door
to the other and, 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 well remembcAad thing from some
secret niche of memory.
Now as the princess and l walked
out in front of our guard, his man fell.
as if naturally, into the rear Of our
company. and attempted nonchalantly
to saunter out behind us. The guard
at the loo locke 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," the sentry re-
piled, unmoved.
The man shrank back perceptibly;
as | took a longer sight of him the
familiarity of voice and tiguhe 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 Broussard.
What a world of vain speculation this
opened on the instant, speculation to
which no answer came. How much
and what had J. told him during u
voyage? How had he treasured it 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. b.
Come, my lord, are you drcaming?"
the princess broke in ilnpatiently. 1
had quite forgotten her.
mo, madame, | crave you patience,
and beg attention a moment"
/ then asked her hurriedly whether
she knew the 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 q gentle
man of birth and reputed honor, so
with the guard and the marshals 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 n more stroke of luck. See
ing which my lady icily inquired:
But why? Why do you fear? Sure
ly these soldiers are sufficient to af-
ford protection"
The half yelled scorn of her manner
cut me to the quick, but I determined
not to be drawn aside from my pur-
pose. My face still aflush at her sug-
gestion of cowardice, I replied earnest
ly:
'Mademoiselle la Princesse-'
"Ah, you know me?"
l 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 you While in danger; now
/ may give you into safer hands with
honor. A most urgent matter demands
my presence there" pointing inside,
"it may cost my life. Had 1 better not
%acquaint NJ. de Verrue with your char
iSlCl L Will liz NC l. IilCull-
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 name"
She would nave thanked me further,
but 1 was all impatient to be inside,
seeing which she gr%aciously babe me
go. l bethought me then of the packet
yet in my bosom, and knowing all
those within were to be searched / took
a hasty resolution, born of my con-
fidence 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, n 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 triles Of a court.
Madame, will you not render me a
service in return?" I felt my whole at
titude to be imploring, SO warmly did
l beSpeak her grace.
Continued Next Week.)