Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-19

he did so now He added letter to the
leader at Cambria, telling him what had
befallen Gerard and urging the utmost
haste; and wrote two other dispatches for
d'Alembert. describing the situation. By
the aid of Babillon two men were dis
patched at once from different points with
orders to procure horses at the earliest
moment after getting free of the city and
to ride with all speed to Cambria; and he
impressed upon both that the life of their
young lord might depend upon their zeal
The third dispatch two carefully picked
men were to carry, and were not to start
until dark had fallen.
The next problem the much more
difficult one of getting Gerard out of the
governors hands. This must be done by
force if necessary and in the last resort;
and a place must be provided to which he
could be brought, where a stand could be
made with some hope of holding the gov
ernor at bay until d'Alembert could reach
the city with the troops.
Malincourt was obviously the best place
for such a stand. 1t was strongly built,
had ample room for the necessary force of
provisions which could be increased with
out any suspicion being raised More
over, he believed there were arms there.
He instructed the men in the city, there
fore. to go in their monks gabardines and
purchase each for himself enough provi-
sion for three days, on the plea that they
were setting out on a pilgrimage on the
morrow; after which they We're to remain
any hour.
Having the first steps arranged he re-
turned 20 Malincourt emitting in his haste
to put off his monks gown. He meant to
see Gabrielle and tell her plainly what his
plans were, and consult with her to the
best means of rescuing Gerard and Dubois.
Here came a check, however. Gabrielle
not at the maison; and as he stood
in the great hall considering how he could
best find her, he was seen by Jacques Dau-
ban. The spy had been sent back to Malin-
court by de Probable to fetch away certain
papers which, now that the maison was
shut to him, were too incrimina ting to be
left there.
1t was Dauban who had carried the
news to the governors castle that Gerard
was not really de Cobalt, and having been
witness of Dubois' arrest was struck
by the fact tbs another monk of the
same order apparently should be found
at Malincourt. Seeming a mystery he re-
solved to follow 1T up.
Pascal, unwilling to be recognized in
his disguise, would have avoided him bur
Dauban made this impracticable and thus
Pascal was reduced to the device of draw
ing his cowl close so to hide his fea-
lures so far as possible.
"Givei you gooden, good father?" began
Dauban.
Pax vobiscum son. replied Pascal,
deepening and altering his voice
household here-the secretary"
Then truly you may. L have a message
would deliver to miladi of MaIincourt
and would have speech with her."
Il know her business well and am high
in her confidence. Is it a matter of mr.
gency? l am even now on my way to
her" W
Gould you get to her at once or deliver
a letter secretly?"
That would be easy enough-the letter
| l mean"
Can l trust you?" Dauban met the
piercing eyes fixed on him through the
close drawn cowl as IL in suspicion. and
answered as he thought with cunning
frankneSs.
That must be as you please Miladi
herself does But you must decide ouickJv
for she waits for me-"
The monk appeared to hesitate, and.
giancing around. lowered his tone.
DO you know aught of this business of
the so-called Gerard de Cobalt?"
Not so loud, father l know of his ar
rest ana am even now engaged in the
task of procuring his release" 1t was a
clever lie and seemed to impose on the
monk. -
Good" he said. Lead me where can
write Life and death depend on your
good faith"
Follow ne" said Dauban. and led the
way TO de Proballe's apartments On the
way they CHANGED to meet Lucette who
looked at the pair with curious ewes
wondering what Dauban could be doing
In such company, she followed at dis
lance and resolved to watch
Are we alone here?" asked Pascal
Quite. You need have no fear on that
score ma
Those doors-are they locked? If not.
lock them and bring me the keys here
All unsuspecting and wishing to win his
companions confidence, Dauban did so and