New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1905-05-13


side were surprised at signs or an
unexpected resistance.
There were more than fifty men out
side; with them were some women;
and Tomas Fauctel was their leader.
Monsieur lie Baron, will you per
NIT me to arrange the defence as |
| see fit?" inquired the young officer,
turning to his host.
Most assuredly, sir: for have full
confidence in your ability" was the
reply.
Then extingush every light in this
from it, so that all here will be in
darkness" said the lieutenant, now
speaking authoritatively. And do you
Greloire, looking toward his sol
diers-"with Murier and Leboeuf
stand here beside Monsieur lie Baron
| Watch that broken window, and put
ball into every head that appears
| there"
Greloire saluted silently, and the of
ficer continued: "If Tatro will act as
guide, to pilot myself and the others
out through some unobserved way, we
will make a detour, and treat our
friends to an attack in the flank"
Some of the hurled-in torches had
lit the hall for moment; but they
were quickly extinguished by the
baron.
A moment later the discharge OF
musketry outside told that the lieu,
tenant and his men had come upon
the scene. Then the air was rent by
more yells and imprecations, but with
sound in them bespeaking dismay
on the part of the surprised maraud
ers.
A second volley rang out, and the
officers voice was heard STEADY,
my men. Load and fire at will, or club
your muskets Teach these people a
lesson-one in the name of the AS.
sembly"
Those in the hall now saw a fam.
ing torch thrust through the window.
1t was held by Tomas Fauchel who
waved it wildly as he shouted. SHOW
thyself, thou craven baron, for neither
man nor devil shall force me from
this place until have kept my oath,
and killed thee!"
The light of his torch fell upon the
uplifted face-white and stern-of the
baron, who said, laying his hand upon
the musket with which Leboeuf was
taking aim at the half-crazed fanatic. |
do him no harm, let him live"
Fauchel, who had heard the words,
answered them with hooking laugh, |
and quickly extending his other hand,
pulled the trigger of a pistol. as he |
tossed his torch into the hall and |
yelled, Die, thou damnable Papist, !
and take to hell with thee no thanks
of mine for sparfng my life"
The baron reeled, for he was struck
caught by Leboeuf, and his dead form
was not laid upon the floor before Gre
loire had planted musket-baIl in
Fauchel's head, and tumbled him
from the ladder-dead as the man he
had assassinated.
Ills ldllOWClS, tCiiihcu w tic iitu
tenants unexpected attack, we're now
fyi'g like scared sheep; and the fight
waF ended.
Al hour later the silence that
wrapped the chateau would have re-
pellfd the thought OF such an uproar
having ragged within it so recently.
The dead had been laid in upper
rooms, and Margot had gone tn her
own part of the house, leaving Jean
In. the drawingroom with the lieuten-
ant, who was now walking up and
down, and now sitting on the diVan.
beside the passionately grieving boy.
10 whom he spoke words OF tenderrst
sympathy, stroking the dark hair, or
holding the burning hands in cool
clasp that was infinitely sosthing.
Some of the soldiers took turns at
guard in the lower hall, ffgr
tear of a possible renewal OF the at.
.ack But the peasants outbarst wars
evidently spent, for the present at
east, as nothing happened to disturb
he silence of the succeeding Hours,
Ito be continued.)