Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-10
NJ n Fourier
IS Of G@ortu,,e

by your ieaVe, mllady, Will return:
Suspicion will not fall my way; but should
there be danger l can then seek your pro-
lection. Trouble is already in the making
in the city, and when the men of Morvaix
learn how your ladyship has been . treated "a
I know nothing of their tempers If there be
not deep resentment and wrath.
"A timely thought interposed Dubois,
overhearing this "A diversion in the town
would help us much at Malincourt.
But it might lead to violence and per-
haps to bloodshed," said Gabrielle.
would not have that on my account" ,
by your leave, 1 would rather return,
repeated Babillon.
How shall we thank your asked
Gerard.
"Miladrs safety is enough reward for any
MorvaiX man. my lord, he answered
sturdily, and with that he turned and wen'.
such a fellow changes ones judgment OF
the men here declared Dubois.
"Ah, monsieur, we have many such men,
true as steel to their friends and honest as
the daylight" replied Gabrielle warmly, as
they hurried on 10 the house.
There was much to be explained on botn
sides, and when Gerard had told Pascal
briefly how things had gone with them,
he questioned him as to his doings.
Its wonder we were not trapped at
the castle But no one seems to have
looked for an escape, and we had very Ut
tie difficulty in gaining admission 10 inc
court yard. We were taken for a party OF
the new troorS. Had you come, we shouiu
have got away without suspicion. for had
the sentries safe. But when l saw the rope
ladder pulled up back to the cell, knew
something must have miscarried, and dls-
patched one of the men to those whom l
had in waiting outside the walls, telling
them to creep as close they dared.
II see it, exclaimed Dubois.
Eyes, it saved Us from capture. We were
waiting in the shadow of the wall. with a
growing impatience 1 cannot describe, when
the fresh guard turned out and came on
Us. The officer at first mistook us for his
own men and was more angry than sus-
picious, but he soon saw something was
amiss and was for arresting the whole of
us there and then. There was nothing for
It but to rush through him. They fired a
volley for assistance and attacked us, ana
soon a swarm of men came rushing out of
the castle. But we managed to draw OH
to the breach in the wall, and when they
saw we We're in force they stopped where
they were-to my fellows disappointment.
And that's ALL
but what did you do next?'
Then there came a deuce Of a commo-
ton in the castle, caused, as l judged, by
the fact that you had escaped some other
way and the fact had been discovered. SO
l drew off and made my way here. l was
sorely puzzled. on my word l heard yos
had not come to Malincourt, and 1 posted
the men in the wodds. l judged that Malin-
court would be the first place to be
searched for you, and thought that if we
could let the governor feel satisfied no one
was here. it might make it all the safer as
a hiding place when you did come; where
as had l resisted the search, l should only
have brought his troops swarming here and
SO have made it impossible for you to get
in at all, besides subjecting the house to
be knocked about for no good"
1T was cleverly thought, Pascal said
Gerard, with a smile.
1T was more lucky guess than aught
else, but the guess was right. His men
came and satisfied themselves you We're
not here and left a guard behind strong
pr-3U hIlf
weak enough for me to deal with in a few
moments. l was growing desperate at the
approach Of daylight and still no news of
you, when that good fellow Babillon who
had helped me before, it turns out ar
rived with your message. Then 1 had up
a force strong enough to put the governors
guard in the cellars and came to meet
YOU.
Can we hold the house?' asked Dubois
quickly.
THE walls are strong and We have close
upon a hundred men, but" and he shrug-
ged his shoulders.
But WHAT" was Gerard's eager answer
Il would give half the men and choose a
weaker house for more arms and powder.
The other two were silent for a while at
this ominous reply.
DO you mean we can't stand our ground
even for the hours until my cousin can ar
rive?"
I'VE are men and can try. But it depends
on the governor-if he learns that you are
does when he knows"
He thinks we are hiding in the city. We
had brush with a search party near the
walls, and they will soon carry the news to
tie castle.
Let us pray that he remains in that be-
lief; for if he swoops down on this place
with strong force it will be an ugly bust
ness. We could not hope to resist for many
hours"
Let us go around and see, Dubois said
Gerard.
Dubois and Pascal went out and Gerard
stayed a moment with Gabrielle, who had
listened with intense interest to the discus
sion.
$50 even Malincourt is not to be a refuge.
Gerard she said.
1--WE are far from beaten yet. Have cour-
age
II have courage; but how bitterly regret
that moment of cowardice when l could not
face that descent with you
1t would have made no difference. The
watch was already set on the city walls and
We should have come straight here with
Pascal-when matters would have been at
an even worse pass. We have gained hours
that may prove invaluable"
You are brave to be so hopeful"
IF it comes to regrets, Gabrielle; it is
who am to blame. Had l taken Dubois
bold counsels and tried to seize the castle
when the governor was in my power, l be-
lieve IL would have been best. But at that
rate, / may as well go farther back to the
the way 1 chose"
'True-all might have been very differ
emit" she said. and glanced up and down
again, and then smiled as she added land
would you have me regret that, too?".
Il did not mean that" he said quickly
taking her hand.
Il care not what happens" she answered
softly.
Nor the trouble and danger I have
brought to your
There is something other than danger
or trouble, Gerard; it is of that 1 think
AT this danger we shall smile together
when 1t is over; and l know you will find
a way to safety"
Which means that / had better hurry
after Dubois and Pascal and he smiled
again.
Nay. it means rather my unbounded
trust in, you. So confident am 1 that am
going to be quite prosaic and seek rest
And l shall sleep secure in my faith in
you"
God bless you. Gabrielle for this faith
of yours" he said. drawing her to him
and kissing her.
And God bless you my Gerard, for all
you are TO me-"
1t long and anxious conference that
followed. The men that formed their guard
were picked and seasoned soldiers who had
fought under Gerard in more than one
tough campaign; his to a man. heart and
soul, ready to do anything at his bidding;
willing to lay down their lives in his cause
and burning with resentment at the treat
ment he had suffered
They were glad to have laid aside now
the monkish garb and to scent the prospect