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

now you have been seen making careful
observations of our castle and the fortifi-
cations. You can, of course, explain so
singular and apt curiosity? Apt, l mean,
as fitting with the conduct of spy
Are the soldiers of France forbidden
even to look at the Notifications of Nor
walks famous CASTER
The governor was about to answer when
de Probable laid hand his arm and
drew him to one side.
why not declare yourself, monsieur
asked Gabrielle, half hesitatnglv, as the
others drew out of earshot You little
know the duke If you think you can safely
hold him at defiance thus
Il am not concerned for what he may
think or do, mademoisele. 1t is you and
you only. whom / fear to have estranged.
l deceived you. Can you forgive me?'
You should not have done it, monsieur
she answered, dropping her eyes. YOU
you shamed me-
God forbid you should believe such a
thought as that could have been in my
heart
why will you not speak and end the
uncertainty" she asked.
For myself and for others l care moth
Ing, as say; but can you find no reasons?
1t is for me?'' she cried quickly, with a
swift glance and an involuntary thrill OF
delight. She had not doubted him; but the
confirmation of her trust, which seemed to
come from the assurance that 1T was still
for her he was acting thus, brought mex
pressible comfort.
She smiled and was lifting her face to
meet his ardent gaze when the governor
and de Probable returned.
Neither Gerard nor Gabrielle had had
eyes or ears for them in the minutes of
absence; and had not noted how at first
they had talked together and had then sent
for the two men, Antoine de Cavannes and
d Estelle, and having questioned them, had
once again conferred alone.
1t was de Probable who now took the
chief part, and he approached Gerard with
bland smile upon his sallow face, and
said in smooth, even tone:
My lord has now committed this matter
to my hands, Gerard, as a family affair;
and 1 confident it can be easily ar
ranged Gerard noticed the use of his
name and the familiar manner, and read
in it at once some change of purpose.
Il do not wish your interference, mon
sieur, and recognize no right Of yours to
take any such part
est. 1 have put it to the duke that this
matter can best be settled between us.
You see, Gerard"
What do you mean by the use of that
You are really making bad matter
worse" and de Probable spread out his
hands deprecatingly. You are either Ger
ard de Cobalt or some one else. If the
former then this is a family matter which
the duke, in his love of justice and regard
for our family, is willing to see arranged.
But If the latter, then your conduct
throughout is open to great suspicion. You
revolt against the governors soldiers; you
have wounded one of his followers-most
unjustifiably; you have forced your way
into the castle here and have acted just as
spy would have acted; you have been
watched and observed to be in long conf
Dental conference with some pestilent con-
tumaco monk, and thus have so gravely
compromised yourself as to strain the
dukes clemency beyond endurance"
And all this harangue means-what? ."
asked Gerard, bluntly.
That you are in a very ugly fix indeed,
in which my influence with the duke can
only with difficulty assist you. The monk
with whom you spoke has been placed in
confinement
AT this moment n servant approached
Gabrielle with a request that she would
go at once to the duchess. She had been
taken i'll suddenly and had asked urgently
for Gabrielle.
Il will come soon"
You need not hesitate on account of
me- said Gerard, with a smile.
These soldiers here" replied Gabrielle
in a tone of alarm, as she pointed to
number of men who showed in the door
ways. See. l fear danger"
1T must be as you WILL said de Pro-
bale, when she shook her head resolutely
Now that the men are here they will
see that no violence is done Our Gerard
is hasty that he might be tempted to
some fresh rashness which would be fatal
to all settlement. Wait" he said as if
struck with a sudden thought. TT will
serve the same purpose if you will give
me your sword, Gerard"
That l will never do" was the quick.
indignant response.
ITO me, then, monsieur said the
governor, stepping forward.
ITO no man, my lord. ="
"Then it must be taken from YOU and
the governor signed to the soldiers
In a moment Gerard's blade was out
Disarm him" commanded the governor
his eyes flashing. This is treason against
the constituted ruler, monsieur
For some moments the fierce UNEQUAL
combat ragged, and two OF the soldiers be-
ing wounded, the others fell back for
moment.
My lord, stop this fighting" cried Ga
brielle, struggling to free herself from de
Proballes grasp.
At her voice, Gerard turned and made
as If to go to her, but the soldiers. seeing
that his eyes were turned from them
chose the moment to rush in again and one
of. them sprang upon him from behind
Thus hampered he was soon overpowered
by the number who attacked him. his
sword was wrenched from his grasp. and
he was led away a prisoner
CTo be continued.)