Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-06
WATERBURY EVENING DEMOCRAT WEDNESDAY,

est resistance, we shall know how to put an end to 1t, either here or on the road"
 I drew deep breath. The very i'm minence of the danger restored me to the use of my faculties. changed my tone and laughed aloud. 'So that is your plan, is it?" I said "The sooner we start the better, then. And the sooner see Auch and your back turned, the more shall be pleased" He rose. "After you, Monsieur" he said.
 I could not restrain a slight shiver. His newborn politeness alarmed me more than his threats. knew the man and his ways, and was sure that it boded i'll for me.
 But I had no pistols, and only my sword and knife, and knew that re- sistance at this point must be worse than vain I went out jauntily, there fore, the landlord coming after me with my saddle and bags.
 The street was empty save for the two waiting horsemen who sat in their saddles looking doggedly before them. The sun had not yet risen, the air was raw. The sky was gray, cloudy and cold. My thoughts flew back to the morning on which I had found the sachet-at that very spot, almost at that very hour; and for moment I grew warm again at the thought of the little packet I carried in my boot. But the landlords dry manner, the sul- len silence of his two companions, whose eyes steadily refused to meet mine, chilled me again. For an instant the impulse to refuse to mount, to re- fuse to go, was almost irresistible; then, knowing the madness of such a course, which might and probably would, give the men the chance they desired, I crushed it down and went slowly to my stirrup.
 "I wonder you do not want my sword" I said by way of sarcasm, as swung mySSll up.
 'We are not afraid of it." the inn keeper answered gravely. You may keep it-for the present"
 I made no answer-what answer had to make?-and we rode at a foot pace down the street; he and leading, Clon and the shock-headed man bring ing up the rear. The leisurely mode of our departure, the absence of hurry or even haste, the mems indifference whether they were seen, or what was thought, all served to sink my spirits, and deepen my sense of peril. I felt that they suspected me, that they more than half guessed the nature of my errand at Cocheforet, and that they were not minded to be bound by mad emoiselle's orders. Tn particular aug erd the worst from Clon's appearance. His lean malevolent face and sunken eyes, his very dumbness chilled me. Mercy had no place there.
 We rode soberly, so that nearly half an hour elapsed before we gained the brow from which had taken my first look at Coch eforet. Among the dwarf oaks whence had viewed the valley we paused to breathe our horses and the strange feelings with which I looked back on the scene may be imagined. But I had short time for indulging in sentiment or recollec- tions. A curt word and we were mov- ing again.
 A quarter of mile farther on the road to Auch dipped into the valley. When we were already half way down this descent the inn-keeper suddenly stretched out his hand and caught my rein. This way!" he said.
 I saw he would have me turn into a by-path leading south-westwards- mere track, faint and little trodden and encroached on by trees. which led I knew not whither. I checked my horse. "Why?" said rebelliously. Do you think do not know the road? This is the way to Auch."
 "To Auch-yes," he answered blunt ly. "But we are not going to Auch." ]"
 "Whither then?'' said angrily.
 'You will see presently" he replied. with an ugly smile.
 ''Yes, but will know now!" I re. torted, passion getting the better oi me. q have come so far with you. You will find it more easy to take me farther. if you will tell me your plans" '"
 You are fooll" he cried, with a snarl.
 Mot SC" answered. "I ask only to know whither am going"
 Into Spain," he said. Twill that satisfy you?"
 And what will you do with me there?" I asked, my heart giving a great bound
 Hand you over to some friends of ours," he answered curtly, 'Hf you behave yourself. If not, there is a shorter way and one that will save us some travelling. Make up your mind. Monsieur. Which shall 1t be-"