Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-24
But what

source" he answered cheerily. But what
is the one you have in mind?"
1T is I who am the cause of all, Gerard;
and in the last extreme 1 could avert an i'll
even from YOU
1--WE would die here in Malincourt one by
one before that sacrifice could even be
thought of, Gabrielle" he answered earn
estly. DO you think there is man of US
BourbonS who would purchase his lie at
such q prce?"
II would let no harm come to you" she
answered her tone as resolute as his
Some one came then saying that Babillon
was asking for Gabrielle, and he was
brought into them
you have some news, Babillon?" asked
Gabrielle.
II have not been idle, miladi. The news
of your trouble has reused the burghers of
the city, and at word from you they will
rise in your defense.
Have you said aught that mademoiselle
is here?" asked Gerard quickly
"NO, my lord. The tale has spread from
the castle that you have all escaped from
the city and are hiding in the hills to the
north. That miladi should be thus driven
to such eXtremities to avoid the persecu-
lions of the governor has caused the pres
ent tumult, and l am supposed to be able
to communicate with her. Miladi has many
adherents even among the troops or the
governor, and from them has gone abroad
the story of her wrongs The burghers
have long had their bitter grievances and
have been arming themselves; and now
this last news is like to act as finder 10
dry shavings and kindle the flame"
II would that we had but some of their
arms here in Malincourt," exclaimed Ger
ard at would save all other anxieties.
Could you get us muskets and powder and
ball Babillon, think you?"
"Alone, ] am helpless. A word from
miladi would do all; but that might IN
volve the disclosure of her presence here.
at is worth any risk" said Gerard de-
cisively IF there Is to be thd hghvln n can
There must be no rising in the city, Ba-
billion" said Gabrielle.
Indignation, on the top of wrongs SO
long endured burns very strong, and is
spreading like forest fire. miladi."
at will be useless and worse, far worse,
than useless Men unframed to lighting,
lacking in leaders, and Ill armed, cannot
prevail against the dukes soldiers. Ihe
citizens would be massacred and their
houses sacked. 1t must not be- she de-
clared.
the arms we want to Malincourt. How
soon could you do this?' asked Gerard
anxiously.
I'VE could get all in readiness. and as
soon as night falls to give the cover OF
darkness they could be brought here"
by nightfall," exclaimed Gerard In
tone OF disappointment.
MY lord it would be hopeless to make
such an attempt In daylight, with the city
overrun as ii is by troops"
stay let me suggest" said Gabrielle.
push on the preparations, Babllon, to do
my lords wish, ard If aught should occur
to spoil the venture and we should have
to abandon MalincOurt, have prepared some
place where we can lie hid safely protect
ed by the men of the city, until the danger
has passed.
"A shrewd thought" said Gerard readily.
"And now come with me, and we will per-
feet the plan for getting the arms. / Will
speak with Dubois and Pascal" he added
to Gabrielle and led Babillon away.
Dubois was found and a long conference
followed. to which Pascal, who had been
strenuously engaged In clearing the secret
passage was presently called.
Both Pascal and Dubois agreed in urging
that the citizens should be encouraged to
rise. but Gerard, in Difference to
the wish Gabrielle had expressed,
would not agree, and the utmost he
would yield was that Dubois should go
with Babillon, taking with him written au-
thority from Gabrielle, to consult with the
chief burghers on the whole position. to
Judge the chances of success, and to offer
he was to sanction no revolt without first
communications with Gerard; and his
chief efforts In the meantime were to be
bent upon getting the arms and ammunf-
ton so sorely needed.
The gruff old soldier protested that 1t was
no more than one-handed scheme.
I'VE cannot fight man like this COVER
nor with one hand in irons. and that the
sword hand" he said. "a rising tonight In
the city would mean everything to us here.
There might be blood shed. 1t is true: but
blood has been shed before and will be
shed again in many a worse cause, Nor
could anything really serious happen before
d'Alembert reaches the CITY,"
I'VE will fight II we are forced In self