Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-10
CHAPTER xxi.
Pascal Plays Spy.

Pascal dressed himself in the uniform OF
one of the castle troopers, and his intention
was to pass as a soldier who had been
merryma king in the city, and, having just
heard of the excitement at the castle, was
hurrying thther to report himself.
His aim was first to get into the castle,
then to find the Bourbon commander, Capt.
Bassot, and explain the position at Malin-
court, and to learn such news of the gov
errors intentions as he could and arrange
with the captain some little plan of action.
He had but little fear of discovery in his
soldiers dress. Scarcely any one in the
castle knew him, and even If the castle men
failed to recognize him as one OF the new
troops, it would be no serious matter, be-
cause the captain, when consulted, would
soon set that right
AS for the danger, it was to his liking. He
was brave to the verge of recklessness, and
the thought of tapping the governors plans
under his very nose, as 1t were, pleased
him hugely.
AS he was Indifferent about encounterng
any of the search parties who were patrol
ling the city, he made no effort at conceal
ment and covered the distance between
Malincourt and the castle at quick speed,
thinking over the matter and laughing at
the venture a kind of pleasure jaunt.
He resolved to make for the main en-
trance of the castle, and had reached with
in a short distance of it when he encoun-
tered one of the patrols. He was hurrying
by, but the man in command challenged
him
"Ho, there! Who are you and where are
.sTo mess of DEVILS broth expect. prob
ably to arrest. I've just heard hells loose
at the castle, and I'm going for my share"
who are you?
mot one of your men, sergeant. Ambrose
Tourelle of Captain Bassots command"
What were you doing in the city,!
"Just seeing how you enjoy yourselves IN
ior,st ma n
gate open?"
Don't you know the news? Some pris-
oners have broken out and half Killed the
governor The whole garrison's in arms.
You may look for warm welcome II old
Tiger hears you've been absent"
.'Here's deafness to him, them answered
Pascal with a laugh. III hurry on
I'm send man back with you lest you
lose your way" returned the sergeant
driIy, and detailed one for the purpose.
Ibid you say you're one OF the new lot?
asked the soldier, as they went to the cas-
tie. II don't know your face"
know soon, I warrant" laughed Pascal.
Its more to the matter If you know what
the punishment is for being out of the
castle without leave"
ut mayn't be noticed at such a time. es-
pecially as you're new man. If you take
my advice you'll go straight to your cap
tain and just tell him the truth
Yes, but where the devil shall l find
women. say /; they get US into all the
trouble
II could show you things in Morvaix,' -
chuckled the soldier. Where have you
been tonight?"
THE devil seize me If know, but you
breed some pretty faces in this city Of
yours. Do you know a blue-eyed wench
named Marguerite?" and Pascal went On
to invent story for his companions BEN
eft, making him laugh and swear that
Pascal was man after his own heart
AS they approached the castle gates Pas
cal urged the soldier to go in with him and
find Captain Bassot. and in this way he
passed the gate and entered the guard
room without difficulty or question.
But the captain could not be found. and.
as his companion had to leave again to
hurry after his party. they separated with
mutual promises to meet again, and Pascal
was left to his own devices.
He stayed some time in the guard room.
and from the talk of the men he ascerta.r M
ed that the soldiers were patrolling Nor