Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-11-28
Copyright. 1891. by s
.APTER I-(Continued.)
erhaps that had been better
For this man was without

-.
go ing at me and before he spoke to
me, gave myself up for lost. There
was CLINT of cruel satisfaction in his
eyes that warned me before he spoke,
what he was going to say to me.
II could not have made better
catch, M. de gerault," he said, smil-
ing villainously, while he gently
smoothed the fur of cat that had
sprung on the table beside him. can
old offender and an excellent exam
pie. doubt it will not stop with you.
But later, we will make you the war
rant for flying at higher game"
"Monseigneur has handled sword
himself" I'blurted out. The very room
seemed to be growing darker, the air
colder. / was never nearer fear in my
life
"Yes?" he said, smiling delicately.
"And so?"
will not be too hard on tho fail
ings OF poor gentleman"
Gle shall suffer no more than q
rich one" he replied suavely, as he
stroked the cat. Enjoy that satisfac-
ton, M. de Berault. Is that all?"
"Once was Of service to your en-
1nence," I said desperately.
Payment has been made" he an
uwered, more than once. But for that
should not have seen you. M. de
Berault."
"The kings facet" cried, snatch
ing at the straw he seemed to hold
out.
He laughted cynically. smoothly.
His thin face, his dark moustache, and
whitening hair, gave him an air Of
Understandable keenness. II am not the
king" he said. Besides. am told
you have killed as many as six men
in duels. You owe the king, there
fore, one life at least. You must pay
It. There is no moro to be said, NJ de
Berault," he continued coldly, turning
away and beginning to collect some
papers. "Tne law must take its
course"
l thought he was about to nod to
the lieutenant to withdraw me, and a
chilling sweat broke. out down my
tack. saw the scaffold, felt the
rs. moment, and 1t would be too
Il have a favor to ask"
,'cred desperately. "if your emf
would give me moment alone"
what end?" he answered, turn
nd cycling me with cold disfavor.
row you-your past-all It can
20 GOOD. my friend"
Nor harm!" I cried "And am q
d"ing man, Monseigneurs"
THAT is true" he said thoughtfully.
Still he seemed to hesitate; and my
heart beat fast. At last he looked at
the lieutenant. "You may leave u.s."
he said shortly. "Now," when the Of
ficer had withdrawn and left us alone,
What is It? Say what you have to
say quickly. And above all, do not
try to fool me, NJ de Berault"
But his piercing eyes so Disconnected
me that now in my chance could not
find word to say, and stood before
him mute. think this pleased him,
for his face relaxed.
''Well?" he said at last. "Is that
all?"
The man is not dead" I muttered.
He shrugged his shoulders contempt
uously. What Of that?" he said.
That was not what you wanted to
say to me-"
"Once saved your eminence's life,"
faltered miserably.
Admitted" he answered, IN his
thin, incisive voice. "You mentioned
the fact before. On the other hand,
you have taken six to my knowledge,
NJ de Berault. You have lived the
life Of bully, common bravo, a
gamester. You, a man Of family! For
shame! And 1t has brought you to
this. Yet on that point am willing
to hear more" he added abruptly.
ri might save your eminence's life
again." cried. It was a sudden
inspiration.
You know something" he said
quickly, fixing me with his eyes. But
no." he continued, shaking his head
gently. "Pshaw! the trick is old.
have better spies than you, M. de
Berault."
But no better sword" cried
hoarsely. "No, not in all your guard"
"That is true" he said. THAT is
true" To my surprise, he spoke in
tone of consideration: and he looked
down at the floor. LET me think,
my friend" he continued.
He walled two or three times up
md down the room, while stood trem-
NJ | confess it, trembling The
hose pulses danger has no power
n is. seldom proof against
and the sudden hope his
35ened in me so shook me
IRE. as he trod lightly to
lth the cat rubbing against
I'D turning time for time with
= Wavered before my eyes. I
lasped the table to steady myself /
mad not admitted even in my own mind
how darkly the shadow of Montfaucon
and the gallows had fallen across me.
i had leisure to recover myself, for
1t was some time before he spoke.
WHOM ho did 0yoc IN ,,oio, t,,r,h