The Holly chieftain., 1905-01-06

lad of his age, "Never-until this mo-
ment."
She laughed. and drew her hand
away. the wild-rose color deepening
in her cheeks
The smile was gone as she said,
speaking in so low tone that he
scarcely caught her words. is he re-
lated to you-this Laro?"
''Oh, no. ma m 'selle.' he whispered;
Il have known him only few weeks"
And do you like him?"
She-pernaps unconsciously-raise
her voice little; and the gravity OF
its tone. coupled with that which
showed in her face, caused Jean to
stare at her with surprise.
She leaned forward until her face
was close to his own.
Jean Lafitte," she said slowly and
distinctly Il never had brother;
but if l could have one, l would wish
him to be like you. l should not like
it that you grew to be man such as
! feel this Laro must be-
Again Jean was slow in thinking
what to say; and all he did was to
look into her lovely face-into the
lustrous eyes fixed SO intensely upon
him.
You may forget me, JEAN she re-
sumed. as he did not speak; but I
shall hope not. Yet, for fear | may
slip from your memory, l will give
you this ring of mine;' and she drew
one from her finger. 81 wish you to
wear it, and to think it says always,
'Roselle de Cazeneau gave me to you;
and she will always pray for you
that you may be gallant gentleman,
loyal to what is true and right Will
you have the ring say this to you?"
Her words touched deeply the boys
chivalric, impulsive nature; and bend
ing over the hand that proffered the
ring. he pressed his lips to the Jew
eled fingers.
Thank you," he said, as, now with
a smile, she slipped the little circlet
upon the fourth finger of his left
hand; and the touch of her own, warm
and gentle, sent a thrill of delight
through his young veins.
II shall never forget you" he de-
clared looking up into her face; "and
no matter what or where l may be.
you and yours will always have my
love and service"
ut is now my turn to thank you,"
| she said; ''for"-and far-seeing look
chased the smile from her eyes
"who shall say but that or mine
may call upon you to make good your
promise?"
Before he could reply, they were in
terrupted by the entrance Of Laro,
with Thiel close behind him; and fol-
lowing the two was Pierre, who with
open eyes and mouth stared about
him wonderingly.
Laro gave his orders hastily, but
clearly, after which he turned to
Pierre, who stood near him.
Good night. my boy; am sorry
you are not to go with me, for | would
like greatly to have your stout heart
and strong arm aboard the 'Agle.'
You will come with me next time?"
laying his hand on the boys Shout
der.
Jean remained silent, standing with
lowered eyes. while the bell tangled
second time.
"Fll be in this port again within
two years" added Laro, ''and thea l
am sure you will be ready to come
with me. Until then dear lad, good
night" And he moved away, mo-
tioning for the others to follow.
Good night. Jean, and adieu," said
Roselle. as she was about to pass
him. do not forget me, nor what |
have said to YOU
She was gone, leaving the boy
standing mute, sensible of the odor of
violets. and regretting ruefully his in
ability to have acknowledged her gra-
cious farewell. But the sound of
Thiels voice soon aroused him from
his self-reproachings
Come" the landlord said sharply
come with me-"
The hooks of rope ladder were
soon fastened into two iron rings bolt
ed to the rock. A coil Of rope was
then put through the opening and
lowered carefully, until Laro, who
kept a hand upon it, felt it grow taut
with pull from below.
Good night again. boy; my heart
is sorry to leave thee behind" he said
to Jean, who was close to him. Good
by, again, and good luck!"
He had, while speaking, stepped
through the opening, and, as the fare
we'll came from his lips-disappeared
down the ladder.
Ropes were fastened under the
arms of the young girl and of her
maid. One of the counts friends fol-
lowed Laro; then the maid after him;
Ii. ,l L.