The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1904-05-05

~ SNiLI JIG VI iliIiS "a Set ISskI ,
1r would have so appeared had l not
known that he was already perfectly
acquainted with every mark borne by
our charge. The eyes, half closed In
Dreamy contemplation. spoke appar-
emily of q mar who has been relieved
of some grave responsibility ard en-
joys the relaxation, yet, for all of that,
he was listening most %intently to what
Serigny and I were talking of. Serigny
was now fondling the instruments
which were to be the restoration Of his
own and his brothers influence. His
words were addressed to neither of us
in particular.
Here is the seal Of Spain. Celle-
mare again, Egad! They are bold,
or must have great confidence in their
emissaries. Here, too, is Madame. All,
my clever little lady, you have outdone
your W c~leverness at last. I fancy
even the kings old love for his sons
mother VIII not save you nov. I
would 1 knew what was in them.'
We can easily see. and close them
snug again." ventured Jerome, but
noting Serigny's frown, he turned it
or with a laugh, cor so our friend
Madame would advise"
1T h u became manifest he had not
abandoned his Idea of i~ntercepting
Whatever might compromise Madame
de Chartrain.
SSAiSiS SoilliliuSu. 1neSG must DC
placed before the king unopened by
any of US. Yes, it's a risk he caught
Jerome's knotted brow of indecision.
Il grant you it is a risk, for I know not
what complications are here contained.
iwl llnyself seek the king, and with
these am sure to gain his own ear.
jerome all this while uttered no word,
Ticking the mud splotches off his boots
and lifting an earnest look now and
anon to S~ergigEy.
My W mind was busy devising
means to foil n contemplated treach-
cry upon his part, and wondering
Wondering it was not my duty 20
acquaint Serigny with the whole truth
OF the matter. The test came when I
least expected 1t. When all our adven-
lures had been detailed again and
again, his dozens of ~incisive ques-
tons answered, our conversation nat
uraily drifted toward the future. My
mission in France completed, there was
nothing now but a return to the COL
onles, and the uncertainties of a cam
palgn which | no longer doubted was
imminent. Somehow the thought Of a
great and glorious war did not appeal
10 me so forclbly as such a prospect
would have done some few weeks
agone.
There was ever a shy little face, a
brave girlish figure which stood reso-
lutte and trembling before me in the
park, that intruded between me and
the barbaric s~plendor Of our western
wars. Nor did l raise a and to brush
the vision aside. It toned down the
innate savagery of man. softened the
stern, callous impulses of the soldier
and all the currents Of my being trick
led through quieter, sweeter channels
OF life and love. Even the hane of it
made not the thought less sweet.
@ There was h1,f q +rtHir~# or4cl -
spare for such gentler musings. for
Serigny, by a gesture, called attention
to his well packed luggage.
See, l am ready. I only waited your
coming and report to put out at once
for lie Dauphin. My people have al
ready gone forward to arm and pro-
vision her for the struggle. We must
be prompt. There is much to lose in a.
day. 1 myself will go on tomorrow
and have all In complete readiness for
the voyage, and, who knows for the
ffgnting on the other side. Now give
heed Placide-Captain de Mouret," for
ne was always particular to distin-
guish the man from the soldier, and in
giving orders to address me by my
proper title. THE wal has been de-
ctded upon; o will remain here and
watch developmeuts'-he was pro-
ceeding to acquaint me with what was
expected of me. I knew not what he
might say, but felt impelled to throw
out silent warning, which even though
he understood it not, he was quick
enough to take. He paused and looked
me inquisitively In the face. I glanced
aWkWardly from him to Jerome and
back again.
The thought then dominant was a
growing distrust for Jerome, and the
desire to have our movements secret.
| remembered Bienville's words. 1--WE
know not who to trust" and being ig-
norant Of what orders Serigny meant
to give, or how much information they
would convey to Jerome, deemed 1t
best to let all the occurrences of the
day come out. I could not forget the
lads ga1lantry, nor must I lose sight
OF the fact that as affairs now were,
he might very well have gone over to
, the other side for the sake of Madame;
things stranger han that took place
, every day, and I had learned to be dis
Greet. He might thus come into valu-
able hints and afterward cast them In
to the scale against Bienville, for ev-
( cry means good or bad would be used
[ by them to save their own influence,
to uplift the Duke Of Maine. If Bien-
: Vile were involved in the general ruin.
why, what mattered it to them7
While l remained hesitating for a
word. Jerorne's ready wit had already
: com~prehended my purpose. He took
the words from my lips. His counte-
, nance first flushed. then became hard
and fixed, compelling me for the time
into silence.
Monsieur de serigny, I perhaps can
l speak you better our good Captains
mind. He mistrusts me-"
; Your" burst out Serigny greatly
, surprised. why you have ever been
! our staunch and loyal friend. What is
this. Captain de Mouret, surely you
are above a young mans jealousy?"
Jerome gave me no time to explain.
Softly, softly, sir. The captain has
good couse. Give me heed, my friends.
To you, M. de serigny, I will say upon
8 my honor, which until this day was
! never stained by thought or deed,
t VIII say,-this day I would have be-
trayed you. Nay, do not look SO
z panied and unbelieving: all men are
but mortal, n passions stronger even
$ than duty, stronger than loyalty, yea,
stronger than honor itself, may tyran-
e nize over the best of us. I repeat, this
day would I gladly have betrayed you,
e betrayed my friends to save-well II
poots not whom, but q woman. For
: the woman I love may lose her liberty
: II not her life when those accursed pa
pers reach the hands of the king.
was mad, and at this moment doubt
and fear myself. 1t is better not sc
it trust me with your DIanH. fhe cSn+o;,