Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-03-02

in 1t, can tell you, IL they are angry.
"Jerushy Jane Pepper!" said D'ri.
as he sat, rifle on his knee. looking at
his prisoners. Never thought no.
body c'u'd LUX g joemightyful cur-us.
Does mex man humly t. hev any
trouble with them air willy-come-
hobs" He meant wasps.
/ had had no opportunity for more
than word with the young ladies'. J.
hoped 1t might come when went in
Tor hasty breakfast with the baron
ess. the count. the general and MIR.
Parish. AS we were eating, Louison
came in hurriedly. She showed some
agitation.
What is tho trouble, my dear?"
said the baroness, in French.
Eth bien, only this" said she: 81
have dropped my ring in the brook.
u Is my emerald. cannot reach It,"
TOO bad! She has dropped her
ring in the brook" said the baroness,
in English, turning to me.
"if she will have the kindness TO
take me there" said TO the hostess.
rSs'ng az I spoke. Il shall try to get
IL Tor her."
"M'sieur lie Capitaine. you are very
ob!iging," said she. Then. turning 20
Louison, she added in French: Go
with him. He will recover it for YOU"
1t pleased and flattered me. the STRAIT
egg Of this wonderful young creature.
She led me, with dainty steps. through
a dewy garden walk into the trail.
! "Parbleu." she whispered, 'is IL not
a shame TO take you from your meat?
But could not help It, had 10 see
you: there is something wish to say"
"A pretty girl Is better than meat"
! answered quickly. x am indebted
TO YOU"
My! but YOU have a ready tongue"
said she. 1T is with me a pleasure to
listen. You are going away? You
shall not return--pcrhaps?
She was trying to looh very gav and
indifferent, but in her voice could de-
tect note of trouble. The flame of
passion, quenched for little time by
the return of peril and the smoke OF
eunpowder, flashed up in me.
ut is this" she went on: 81 mey wish
you to do ME favor. May have
your address,"
And you may command me-" said
as COVE it to her.
Have a care!" she said, laughing
Il may ask you to do desperate things
you may need all your valor. The
count and the baroness-they may send
us back to France"
which will please you." remarked
Perhaps" she said, quickly. Mon
Dieu! do not know what want!
am fool. Take this. Wear 1t when
you are gone. Not that care--but-
it will make you remember"
She held in Ter fingers a flashing
emerald on tiny circlet of gold. Be-
fore I could answer she had laid it in
my hard palm and shut my hand up
on it.
"Dieu!" she exclaimed, whispering,
~ must return-I must hurry. Re-
member, We did not find the ring"
I felt great impulse to embrace her
and confess my love. But I was not
quick enough Before could speak
she had turned away ard was running.
I called to her. but she did not turn or
seem to hear me. She and my oppor-
tunity were gone.
We slowed the prisoners in the big
coach OF the baroness. behind a lively
team of four. Then my horse and one
for D'ri were brought up.
go not forget" said the baroness,
holding my hand, you are always well
come in my house. hope, ma fol!
that you will never find happiness un-
til you return"
The young ladies came not to the
step where We We're, hut stood by the
count waving adieux. Louison had
merry smile and pretty word of
French for me; Louise only a sober
look that made me sad. II it did not
speak for the same feeling in her. The
count was to remain at the Hermitage.
having sent TO the chateau for squad
Of his armed retainers. They were to
defend the house, IL. by chance, the
british should renew their attack. Mr..
Parish and his footman and the gen.
eral went with us. the former driving.
p'ri and rode on behind as the coach
Went off at q gallon.
He was great whip, that man David
Parish, who had built big mansion
at Oedersburg ard owned so much of
the north country those days. He was
n gentleman when the founders of the
proud families of to-day were dicker-
ing In small merchandise Indeed, one
might look in vain for such an estab-
| lishment as his north OF Virginia.
| This side the Atlantic there was no
stable Of horses to be compared with
that he had-splendid English thor
oughbreds, the blood of which is now
in every great family of American
horses. And. my faith! he did love to
put them over the road. lie went tear
ing up Hill and down AT swift gal
Top. and the roads were none too
smooth in that early day. Before leav-
! ing home he had sent relays ahead to
await his coming every IL miles of the
journey; he always did that If he had
far TO go. This time he had posted
them clear TO tho harbOr. The teams
were quickly shifted then We were off
again with crack of the whip and a
foot of the long horn. He held up in
the swamps. but where footing was
fair, the high-mettled horses had their
heads and little need of urging. We
| halted at an inn for n sin Of som Of hing