Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-06-16
CHAPTER XIV.
THE CHILDREN or TIE BLACK

According to the governors recollcc-
tion, had been gone only q short space
when percmptory knock came upon his
door. He opened 1t, and there stood the
Chevaler de la Mora. dishevelled and
with evidences of haste. but courteous as
was his won't
u desire to speak with Captain de
Mouret, at once. at once"
That you cannot do; he has gone
CheNaier, am astonished. Had i not
gentieman's parole that you should re-
main in your house this night?'
You had, sire, but the conditions were
urgent. and see, I have sought Captain
de Mouret without arms, So no breach
could occur between u.s."
Fortunately, NJ. lie Chevalier de Mou-
ret has consented to leave this colony to-
night and before the day dawns he will
doubtless be many miles away
The chevaller heard like one dumb and
undecided. great doubt Juggling at his
heart He departed unsteadIy ia the d.
rection of the barracks
Here, my good fellow. hast seen Can
tain de Mouret?' he inquired of a strag-
gler.
The man saluted.
Yes, sire, he but lately went the path
towards the Bay
How long sincc?"
"A bare quarter of an hour. He was
During this while / Placide de Mouret
stranger and outcast, sat upon "a grassy
hillock awaiting PACKAGE with his boat
The echoes OF my horn had died away in
the night, and soon after i caught the
sound of running feet, and heard a mans
voice calling my name as he ran. To my
utter establishment 1t was the chevalier.
GREATNESS from his speed.
is it you--Captain de Mouret?"
,S--('hey:jer I renIjnJ ,,,oo,t,
at the first who the man could be.
Seeing him ia such state of mind /
knew the struggle had come. There be
times in every mans life when he rocks
lightly of consequences, and this was not
my night for caring. / had, In a measure
run away thus far from him, and he, not
content with this, had pursued me mast
the limit of forbearance. SO antlcipa ting
his own action, ] began carefully to take
off my own coat, and remembered with
pleasure that IT was not n slight rapier
which now hung confidently by my side
No, captain, not that. j have sought
you this time in peace. See, 1 have no
weapons
suitinp the gesture to the speech. he
flung wide his arms, and showed himself
unpreparcd for battle.
Captain, YOU and have fought side by
side. You are a man of courage and IL
you have injured me you will render mo
due account upon my demand. / do de-
mand this of you now, that you return
with me to Biloxi a once. upon my as
surance as soldier that no harm Will
there befall you. This, sir, upon a SOL
dier's honor"
1t was 4 most unexpected outcome to
seuch an inteaview. | hesitatcd warily at
his request, and then thinking it could
make matters no worse. inquired:
How long will you require me, and for
what purposc?"
The time viii be most brief, moment
should suffice. The purpose cannot
give, but 1t will bring you into no dam
ger. i repeat. upon the word of man
of honor, that you will be permitted to
return safely as you came, and no one
will follow"
must say, In spite of these protests.
did not want to 90. But he pressed his
wish so earnestly that followed the
chevalcr down the winding path back to
Biloxi not without great trepidation, how
ever He walked rapidly In front, and
not a word was exchanged between US.
we passed the barracks and the COVER
nor's house, where | thought to stop, but
he led me on Leaving the thicker por-
tons of the little town, he soon paused
before his own gate and swung 1t open.
The wild thought now entered my brain
that perhaps he had planned some terrible
IcNcHbe upon Ili3 VIE, anu desired TO
torture me by forcing me to witness 1t.
l hung back at the gate. My own good
sword reassured me. and he mounted the
step TO throw open the door
Come in, lptain j regret that can
not give you more sincere welcome"
Truly, there was nothing in the aspect
Of the room to cause alarm. Two ladies
were INSIDE, at either end of sim
pie working table-Agnes and another
lady, about her own figure, whom I did
not know. The elder woman looked
straight in my face with an anxious air.
The chevaler did not formally present
me. Agnes dropped her head somewhat
and never raised her eyes at my entrance
1t was most awkward situation. AS
TO what de la Mora contemplated could
not venture the widest guess; certainly
no violence in the presence of this other
lady who looked so cool while yet SO pale.
Captain de Mouret, as you hope for
your souls salvation. 1 conjure you to
tell me the whole truth. / do solemnly
promise you. upon soldiers honor, at
the very worst which may come, / will
only leave this colony, and VIII not injure
any one
had seen de la Mora on many a field,
but never did he look stronger or nobler
than on that night. His voice sounded
full and clear despite the intensity Of his
suffering.