Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1904-04-30
CHAPTER XVII.
THE FLIGHT FROM sCEAUx.

THE FLIGHT FROM SCEAUX.
The responsibility brought by the
possession OF such valuable state pa
pers oppressed me greatly, to say moth
ing of the perils which would beset
their custodian If it became Jerome's
purpose to reclaim them. | thought it
most prudent and proper under pres
ent conditions to see the dispatches
safe in de Serigny's hands-then, at
least, l would be absolVed from any
blame in the matter. Serigny held me
responsible, and it would perhaps be
the part OF wisdom to act independent
ly or Jerome, report fully to Serigny,
n If it were then his wish that the
investigation concerning Ward and
Madame du Maine be pressed to fur
Their discoveries, nothing would be
easier than to return to Paris almost
before Jerome could miss me. | need
tell Serigny nothing of my suspicion
of Jerome; even if true, his animosity
would vanish with the cause which
gave it birth.
There was much to acquaint Serigny
with, much perchance he knew already.
Paris swarmed with rumors. Every lip
was busy with secondhand gossip
coming, as each relator declared,
from the most reliable sources.
My cousin, who is laundress to
the Countess de Lanois, says" and
upon inns immaculate authority the
butcher upon his morning rounds de-
tailed the most delightful and impos-
sible gossip to his customers.
Pierre, my son, the valet, who Is in
the confidence Of the Duke of Gesvres.
heard his grace say with his own lips''
and so the wine room stories flew,
gathering strength and f%alsehood as
they went. But the story of today
gave the lie to that Of yesterday, and
no man knew the truth.
Wan with Spain flied every mouth,
yet none had a why or a wherefore.
The king said war" and all his nation
echoed. No, not all. Many there were
who gave voice to the cry with hearts
that rebelled, with clear brains ques-
tioning the right of one man to plunge
a whole people into renewed slaughter.
These held their peace for the sake of
their necks. Il am the State" Louis
had declared, and such ideas were not
for the canaille to have; they must
curb their tongues to cheat the gibbet.
Being a soldier and under orders, l had
no right to form opinions, but, sobered
IN some degree by these reflections.
paced about until il came time to take
horse and away
I'm the name Of the wandering
Ulysses. Placide, where have you been
these two good hours?' said Jerome.
suddenly coming toward me.
Has it been so long? l tired of the
croWd and strolled alone through the
gardens"
His quick eye caught sight of the
handkerchief tucked snugly in my belt.
"A lady? And so soon?" he banter
ed me.
My tell-tale flush permitted no denial.
nor did l are to discuss it. AS we
talked we drifted into a small room
lust off the main hall.
by the way, Placide, had we better
not place our dispatches in some safe
hiding until we leave here? 1t might
be suspected we have them. The devil
only knows what that scheming de
Nalence and du Maine may not un-
earth. Their spies are everywhere"
l agreed with him. 1t was as well:
anything to gain time and allay us
picion. But / understood my Iady's
warning was true; his carnestness con-
me.
Where do you carry them?"
Sewn in the lining of my cloak" l
replied. A lie, but ~pardonable.
why, you careless fellow; they may
be lost. Where is your cloak?" seeing
| did not have it.
I'm charge of Damien: he is trusty."
Better have it yourself; wait here,
1 will go and fetch it,"
L congratulated myself on his dip
lomatic stroke, for Jerome was about
to start off in haste when Damien HIM
self appeared, n before / could stop
him. delivered the message.
The horses are saddled and at the
door"
GO and wait with them
Jerome had taken my cloak from the
fellows arm. for in fact he had It,
md NOW Laid II 1nr,cS hf. lyra> ia
blank expression showed utter aston
ishment at the disclosure.
What does this mean? We are to
rest here tonight?"
No; ride to Paris?"
"Why?"
Il am afraid"
"Of WHAT"
coz everything. We are in the house
our enemies, and it is the quality of
courage to be discreet
During this brief dialogue Jerome
was stealthily running his hands
through the lining OF my cloak until
he comprehended l had misled him.
| could almost put his thought in
words. Together we arose, laying each
our hands upon the half-closed door,
he to hold it, l to open it, steady-eyed,
and each reluctant to cause the breach
knew must come.
IldCloe, the pGpeIS are not mere
he said in a quiet tone, yet full of de-
termination.
II know it,"
Why have you deceived me then?"
for he could mask his purpose no long
err. Hand me those dispatches"
mo. My orders are to place them in
the hands of Serigny."
But ! must have them"
And I tell you as firmly, you IAN
Listen captain" he begged in al
tered tones, those dispatches may
compromise Celeste. Let us take from
them anything which duplicates her
N his miserable intrigue, and deliver
the rest. That is easy. l IAN open and
close them again 81 it cannot be told"
MY orders are not to open them"
BY God, you WIFI he burst out
volcanic fury, mo, no; / am too
not. We can lose them; tell Serigny
were never found; tell Serigny
,arrieG them off; tell hin he never had
We can fix a tale"
1T would be a long story, and a liar
needs have a good memory"
/ was playing for time, time to think,
line To get away.
But ! will so with YOU Serigny." he
insisted, tell the Ito and make him
q believe, 'Pshaw, man, you know not