Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-21


 yielded by q gallant hand.'' Speak not of that" she retortet sharply, a strange flash in her eyes "He who handled it was the bravcst noblest"- She broke of abruptly. ant they left the cell, he locking the dool behind him. Down the dimly lighted passage sht walked rapidly. while the jester tracta bly and silently followed. Confidently knowing well the puzzling interior plan of the old pile. she traversed the labyrinth that was to lead them with out, finally pausing before a small door, which she tried
 Usually it is unlocked" she said ir surprise. II never knew it fastened before
 ''Is that our only way out?' Ii "The only safe way. Perhaps one of the keys
 ' But he had already knelt before the door, and the young girl watched him with obvious anxiety. He vainly es- sayed all the keys save one. and that he now strove to fit to the lock. It slipped in snugly and the stubborn bolt shot back
 Entering. he closed the door behind them and hastily looked around. dis covering that they stood in a crypt, the central part of which was occupied by a burial vault In the crypt chapels i were number of statues in marble and bronze, most of them rude. an- tique. yet not of indifferent workma ship, especially one before which the jestress. in spite of the exigency of the moment, stopped as If impelled by an irresistible impulse. This monu- ment, so read the inscription, had been erected by the renowned constable of Dubrois to his young and faithful consort Anne.
 i But part of minute the girl gazed, with q new and Softened ex- pression. upon the marble likeness of the last fair mistress of the castle and then hurriedly crossed the old mosaic pavement. reaching a narrow flight of stairs. which she swiftly ascended. A y der led into a deserted court. on one side of which were the crumbIing walls of the chapel. Here several dark birds perched uncannily on the dead branch of massive oak that had been shat tered by lightning. In its desOlation the oak might have been typical of { the proud family. once rulers of the castle, whose corporeal strength had long since mingled with the elements.
 This open space the two fugitives quickly traversed. passing through a high arched entrance to an olden bridge that spanned a moat Long ago had the feudal gates been OverthrOwn by Francis, yet above the keystone ap- peared not the salamander. the kings heraldic emblem, but the almost illegi- ble device of the old constable. Be yond the great ditch Outstretched a rolling country. on which the jester gazed with eager eyes, while his con- panion swiftly led the way to a clump of willow and aspen on the other side of the moat. Beneath the spreading branches were tethered two horses. saddled and hridled. Wonderingly he glanced from them to her. From whence did you conjure them, gentle mistress?" asked the fool.
 Some one I knew placed, them there."
 But why two horses. good Jacque- line?'
 Because am minded to show you the path through the wood,' she re- piled. You might mistake it. and then my purpose would not be served Give me your hand. sir. sm wont 10 have my own way And as he re- luctantly extended his palm she placed her foot upon it, springing lightly to the saddle Iris but canter through the forest. The day is glorious. and twill be rare sport"
 Already had she gathered in the reins and turned her horse. galloping down n road that swept through grove of poplar and birch. and he after mo- ments hesitation rode after her. Like one born to the chase she kept her seat. her 1.-the figure swaying to the movements of the steed. Soon the brighter green of her gown futtered amid the somber tinted pines and elms as the younger forest growth merged into stern array of primeval mon- srchs. Here reigned an austere si- lence. stiffness that now became the moro afo If tipyIy brolou
 You ride farther. Jacqueline?' said the fool.
 "A little farther"
 ''It will he far to return" he pro- tested
 ''I have no fear" she answered tran. quilly.
 Again he let her have her way as one would yield to q willful child. On and on they sped. past the place where the deer run crossed the broader path. through an ever varying forest. now on one side a rocky basin overrun with trees and shrubs: again. on the other haIid. a great gorge in whose depths flowed a whispering stream Wonder appearef she gray walls of an ancient monastery. one part only of which was habitable; turn in the road swallow cd il up as though abruptly to com plete the demolition time was slowly 10 bring about. On and on. until the way became wilder and the wood more overgrown with bushes and tangled shruhbery. when she suddenly stopped her horse.
 He understood. Al last they were to part And. remembering what he ox.-c..d hog fh. sx.-..= G..xixl~x.is-