Idaho Springs siftings., 1904-12-31

so dark. replied Jean. grasping the
soldiers hand. And you?"
Much better for the fine supper J
have been eating said Greloire.
note of laughter in his voice.
Pierre now fell behind. and tho
three stepped more briskly.
What have you to tell me?' In
quired Jean. after they had-gone
few PAGES, and Greloire remained ST.
lent
Did your lieutenant send you-was
he wishing TO know of me2" asked
Jean eagerly. But there was no an
swer.
We'll. yes, and no. replied Gre
loire, speaking slowly as If consider
ing his words, and adding. as ne
looked down into the boys upraised
face. which even the dim light OF the
stars showed to be filled with keen
disappointment. Surely you have
every reason to know his love for you;
and he is one who never forgets. But
his days are now filled with that
whicn leaves little time for him to
think of anything but this siege. He
is outside the city, with the Revolu-
tionary forces"
He without, and you within, fight
ing against him" burst from Jeans
lips. as he drew himself away.
"Sh-h." whispered the soldier
These streets may seem deserted:
but lis as well not to speak loud
words for the winds may carry them
to where the wrong ears may hear
them
Jean laughed softly. and came closer
to Greloire.
-Aha-I see how 1t is"
BE all the more careful, then, my
young master" warned the soldier.
There was silence for time, while
the three walked slowly along until
they reached street where the
houses were far apart; and the last
one of all, from whose windows came
faint eleam of light. Jean pointed
out TO Greioire as his present abode.
And so that is where you are liv-
ing" said the soldier. as they stood
looking toward it, Il tell you. lad.
that had the chance to possess SO
quiet home should stop within 1t.
and not be wandering into such sham
bles of carnage and blood as is tho
| city now. Take my advice. and keep
away from lie CHEN Heureux. I can
now come to your house; and that will
be the best place for me to see you.
| But, IL you are to undertake the mis-
sion of which ! spoke. the less you
see of that scoundrel Laro. the better
viii II be"
"Laro is my friend" declared Jean.
| his quick temper rising like fash
of fire. He is my friend. and even
you must not name him in such fash
ion to me-"
| "So?" said Greloire calmly, taking
his hand from the boys arm. Then
\ doubt II you are TO be trusted. and
| regret telling you as much as I have.
Laro is not to be trusted. He Ia nj.
most old enough to be your father:
and, HIS suspicious once aroused. he
has sufficient craftiness to surprise
your secret. and use ii for our harm .
Jean was silent, and Greloire went
on in a milder tone. Now tell me.
were you In my place would you not
think twice before risking secrets with
such keeper-one who cares SO
much for Laro as to have temper with
an older friend. who. knowing the
mans reputation. warns you against
| him?'
Il am not angry. Greloire." declared
Jean penitently. "and regret that
was So Pardon me-
All right-all right. mon ami" was
Greloire's hearty reply. Then, again
lowering his voice. he asked in a half
quizzical tone. And do you wish TO
see our little coloneI2"
.Yes-indeed yes. You know that
would not give one of his finger IN
exchange for a dozen Laros"
| "Bien." said Greloire. Now must
be going. So adieu. and my comp.i-
ments to the good dame Margot"
With this he turned about. and
whistling softly. went back the way
they had come, while the two boys
after watching him a few moment
bent their steps toward the cottage.
ITO be continued.)