Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-12
CHAPTER XIII.
Discovery.

duchess Gerard had made the best use OF
his time to learn what he could OF the gov
ernor's castle.
Well placed on rising ground just within
the northern gate it had in former tunes
been "A strong fortress, at once overa"lhs
Morvaix itself and commanding the ap-
proach from the north, the side when was
most open to attack. It's outer fortlhca-
lions formed a long portion of the boun-
Diary walls of the city.
Gerard saw not without uneasiness, that
the governor had restored many of the ola
Notifications, had constructed several more
modern works. and had thus greatly
strengthened the place.
Stranger though he was, no one attempted
TO hinder him as he made his observations.
He had been seen to arrive with Gapflehe'
and as the duke had never deemed II pos
sible ne would venture inside the fortress
and had therefore given no orders concern
ing him he was held to be guest VINO
had been made free of the castle.
The knowledge gained in this survey
might prove invaluable. The plan OF tle
whole castle was soon clear in his mlno'
and he detected the one weak spot IN the
defense against which, should the Time
come. an attack could best be delivered.
This was at point on the city sIuv VI
the walls where some works were sun III
nrogress The ground outside rose to with
in a few feet of the parapet on the top, ana
gangs of men were at work there, some re
moving the ground and others deepening
the foundations of the walls, "hle uleii
ladders and tools lay about the place.
Gerard smiled with intense satisfaction
at the discovery, which might wen -naNe
vital importance. If crisis arose Whcn
rendered it imperative for him to make a
stand against the governor Tor q tiine VIM
awaiting the arrival or ms cousin II On On
Cambria Dubois could easily cohecC tle
A., tln md
q dash through this breach; or again, IL ne
himself were put under any restraint by the
duke here was the road to escape
He descended from the walls to inc
Courtyards below to find the speeulest anu
most direct road to it.
He had completed his survey and was en-
tering the castle when he encountereu Du-
bois fresh from his interview with the gov
ernor and seething with indignation at MS
treatment.
my lord!" exclaimed Dubois involun-
tarily. in surprise.
Good day. holy friar," answered Gerard.
with a gesture of caution II have heard Of
your good deeds and would confer with
you he added aloud for the hearing OF
couple of soldiers who were passing.
I'VE can speak here said Dubois, draw
ing aside into an alcove; and in rapid tones
he told of all he had done since his arrival
and then described the interview with the
governor.
ter" said Gerard after a moments pause.
'Y1u should have led him to think the sane
ton would have been forthcoming from the
cardinal, and so have gained time. But II
is vain to sneak of that now Listen TO my
plans" He told him the result of his OBJ
serTation, and instructed him to ascertain
exactly what guard was kept at the works
by night. to have some of their own men al
WAYS watching near at hand, and above all
TO be sure that ladders were to be available
there so that no time should be lost In case
of emergency.
Il, too. have a plan" said Dubois. THE
soldiers here are but wild, mercenary lot,
dissatisfied with everything; disaffected to-
ward the duke and their officers; any mans
men who will but pay them. With a few
bags of crowns, many OF them could De
bought and the castle itself seized Even
among those who could not be bought the
men of MorvaiX itself and the district
round, there are many who nate the gov
ernor for his excuses, and, IN their SYM
pathy with the people outside, are ripe for
revolt"
.'splendidly done" said Gerard. q knew
YOU would not be housed in the castle with
out results. l like the scheme. Twould be
a stroke indeed to Vanquish this struttinS
cock with his own spurs. Push your in
quries all you can in safety, using every
discretion. and we will speak of it again
''Ak, my fine cavalier. so we meet again.
Seeking absolution from our new sir priest
here, eh?'
Gerard turned quickly at the sneering
voice to find that the two gallants whom lie
1d0 surprised IN lneT ATTACK upon DenSS
had come up unawares, and now stood re-
garding Dubois and himself with sharp, sus-
picious glances.
rs the duke dead that his serving men
have come to power?" retorted Gerard. "Or
is either of you minded to renew the affair
of the gardens of Malincourt?''
I'VE are minded to see what the rats are
about In the castle, whatever the color of
their coats" 1t was Estelle who answer
ed. He was pale and weak and carried his
arm In a sling.
You are wounded. monsieur. and so H.
censed for a time in your insolence. But
you monsieur" and Gerard made a step to-
ward Antoine. you are still unhurt Do
you carry also an uncivil tongue? If l know
not how your tongue runs, since l have not
heard 1t yet, know at least how your slegs
run. for | have seen them
Peace" interposed Dubois in his sono-
rous tones BE careful of such wanton
provocation. l have known mems blood
to flow for less. You should guard your
tongue. young sir"
IAN right. bald pate" cried dEstelle
with a fippant laugh.
You have said nothing, monsieur" said
Gerard to Antoine.
Peace, my son, peace" said Dubois
again. laying his hand on Gerard's shoulder.
Would you too provoke strife?"
Good, old tell-your-beads. What's sauce
for the goose is sauce for such a gander,'
exclaimed Estelle with another laugh
These gentlemen and have met before.
father" said Gerard. Il prevented them
from numbering man, and they bear me
ll-Wlll IN consequence.
1t no murder but a fair quarrel,
monsieur" said Antoine.
Fair? With two swords to one?"
Il caught NJ. st. Jean maltreating a lady
who IS dear to me and did but seek TO
punish him as he deserved
When l see liar l watch his lips and
listen. / am watching yours monsieur, -
said Gerard contemptuously. You were
set to murder him. and for that purpose
rode after him yesterday morning" An
tome changed color and d Estelle was silent
BE careful what you say, monsieur -
replied Antoine hoarsely. I'VE are the
dukes followers, and this is his lordshps
CASTLE
If you do not like my words, monsieur
there is an alternative which men of honor
understand retorted Gerard in deliberate
tone and with a look which Antoine had
little mind to face.
Then turning his back upon the pair he
added to Dubois; Now. father we will re-
sumo our discussion of that point about
Thomas a Kempis. l was arguing in regard
to the warning against apostasy that
Those vermin may be dangerous They
suspect put in Dubois, as they passed out
OF earshot.
"a risk or so more or less at this crisis
does not count for much: but try to have
them marked. They are two of this Tiger $
claws and would scratch from behind given
the chance"
Just then a noise behind them attracted
Gerards attention, and turning he saw de
Probable, with Dauban at his side hurry
ing toward the apartments of the governor