Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-03

Are you there, Pierre?'
Yes, my lord
Il told you all to go away Leave the
kc-s"
You have saved your life," said Gerard
releasing his hold: and the governor fell
prone on the prisoners bed, as Gerard gave
deep-drawn sigh of relief. The first part
OF the struggle was over and had ended in
victor..
But there was yet much to do, and what
course to take was hard problem to solve.
Could Gabrielle have ventured to trust
herself with him on the rope the way would
have been easy enough; but her nerve had
so failed her that he feared to ask her
again.
There was nothing for it, therefore, but
10 put a bold face on things and to find
their way out together as best they could.
Leave her he would not, come what might.
After what had occurred, nothing could in
duce him to let her stay within reach of
the mad fiend this governor would be when
once he was liberated from the cell
He had prevented her being seen, it was
true; but the governor would set such in
qulrles on foot that her presence in that
part of the castle would be surely discover
ed; and what would follow the discovery
no one could attempt to say
fet the time was pressing with cruel
inslstence. Any minute might bring de
Probable upon the scene with the men who
were to apply the torture. And under the
spur OF this thought Gerard made his plan.
with threat to his prisoner to lie still
on pain OF death he gave Gabrielle her
cloak with a sign to put it on and tearing
off his coat, he whispered to her to take
IL, ma Pierre, get Dubois liberated, and
tell him to give her his monks garb.
Lose not second" he whispered earn
eStIy 1t may mean our lives"
lie opened the cell door, saw her speed
away on her errand and turned to finish
his preparations. Hauling in the rope lad
der, lest 1t should be seen and rouse sus-
picions, he cut the ropes, and having bound
the governor securely hand and foot. impro-
vised gag with part of the bed clothes
He had just finished his task. working
with desperate haste, when he heard a
heavy footStep in the corridor Fearing if
might be de Probable, he seized the knife
and stood in readiness behind the door,
With intense relief he saw Pierres beard
ed face. In silence Gerard pointed to where
the governor. thus bound and gagged. Law
the monks gabardine which Pierre had
brought In this guise he left the cell.
locking the door and taking the key with
him. and followed Pierre along the gloomy
corridor.
'They are close here monsieur. watch
ing, whispered Pierre; and a moment later
they came upon Dubois and Gabrielle.
A hurried consultation followed as to the
least hazardous means of getting out OF
the castle. Gabrielle was for going to the
apartments of the duchess; but Gerard all
unwilling that she should remain a minute
longer than was necessary would not con-
sent.
mo, we must get you beyond this I'll
ger reach. at any hazard. What say you,
Dubois?'
But Dubois, having heard the governor
was prisoner, had another and much
holder scheme.
Il am with mademoiselle. so far as stay
ing here he said II would take the bold
line, my lord. Keep the governor a pris-
oner: let me collect our men together, de-
clare yourself openly, and by a bold stroke
seize the castle itself in the name of your
father AT best we should have half the
garrison on our side; and at worst should
only have to hold this part of the castle
for some two days With our hundred men
We could maintain it against half an army
with the army disorganized and
leaderless. Mademoiselle could remain with
governor would be in our hands,
1T is like you, Dubois, and might sue
coed; but l see a thousand difficulties
There are difficulties every way; but as
told you today, 1 know the disaffection
among the men here, and the difficulties
stoutly faced would YIELD
Gerard thought earnestly moment and
then shook his head.
The hazard is too great. If we can but
once reach the courtyard, Pascal is there
with force enough to get us through the
breach in the wall / noticed today; and we
can then leave the city. Can you guide us
by a safe way to the courtyard. Pierre?"
1t may be done, my lord; but tits now
a.
Then L decide for that" broke in Ger
ard Lead the way
1T is full of risks, my lord There is an
iron door on every landing and sentry
posted at each"
Go you on ahead then, and if any diff
Guilty is made about our passing. leave IL to
US to force the way"
They started at Once-Pierre some little
Instance IN front. Dubois next and Gerard
with Gabrielle following The stairway.
narrow and pitch dark, wound down the
western tower OF the prison fortress; and
the hght from the lantern which Pierre
carried scarcely reached those above.
Not word further was spoken and each
OF the three trod lightly as the broken
uneven stairs would allow
soon they saw Pierre's light stop and
heard some one speak to him.
Who goes? Is that you. Pierre?'
Who else, Armand?" was the erurr re-
ply Then a faint chink of something fall
ing on the stone and an exclamation from
Pierre. "Diable! I've dropped my keys
Lend me your eyes, Armand"
musket was set down: and a moment
later the sound of a heavy blow and a
low groan. at which Gabrielle caught her
breath and shuddered
Quick, my lord" called Pierre. and run
nlng down they found him bending over
the unconscious form of the sentry. There
was no other way he said HE would
nave fired his musket and aroused every
guard in the castle had he caught sight or
you" 'ei' oA
twas cleverly done" said Dubois
Make sure of him." and he picked nm the
soldiers musket, glad to get a weapon so
easily. P'ii eo
Not cleverly; treacherously. monsieur
repned Pierre regretfully but there was
nothing else for it," and he onanad tha
iron door for them to pass. '''
You will have to leave with ne now
Pierre" said Gerard. 10 'io"'
FRAY heaven We are as lucky at the newt
gate he answered and again went on
ahead. went oii
,r ortune was with them at the next gate.
Inc sentry was asleep. and Pierre opened
the gate and let them through.
Naught but luck put the sot Cratea, on
guard tonight of all nights he said ..Ir
the governor hears of it his head will ache
no more with liquor. There is but one more
gate, my lord, and there we NAV have from
Ole; ont once passed. few steps only re-
main TIL we reach the court yard"
Ihey continued the descent as rapidIv as
practicable until Pierre stopped them.
think you had better come on with me
monsieur he said to Dubois land leave
my lord and mademoiselle to follow when
we have seen the way is clear"
Inc TWO went down together, and Gerard
telt In the darkness for Gabrielle's hand
You are not frightened. Gabrielle?'' he
whispered.
Il am with YOU" she answered, pressing
to his side.
You are trembling, sweetheart"
1T is for you dearest. If we were but
free of this dreadful placer
Pierre was right in anticipating trouble
As they. neared the gate they heard the