Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-12
UNDER THE
 RED ROBE By STANLEY J. NEWMAN
WHITMAN

heart; and shnddering fear, such as a man awaking to find himself falling over a precipice, might feel. How these women loved the man!
 For a moment I could not speak When I found my voice it sounded dry and husky. "He is safe confidant, I muttered. "He can neither speak nor write, Mademoiselle."
 NO, but" and then her face became fixed. "They are coming" she whis- pered. 'fHushr She rose stiffly and stood supporting herself by the table. Have they-have they-found him.: she muttered. The woman by her side wept on, unconscious what was i'm pending.
 heard the captain stumble far down the passage and swear loudly; and touched mademoiselles hand. "They have not." I whispered. "All is well, Mademoiselle. Pray, pray calm your self. Sit down and meet them as fl nothing were the matter. And your sister! Madam, Madam" ," I cried, al most harshly, compose yourself. Re- member that you have part to play"
 My appeal did something. Madam stified her sobs. Mademoiselle drew a deep breath and sat down.. and though she was still pale and still trembled, the worst was past. -.
 And just in time. The door flew open with a crash. The captain stumbled in to the room, swearing afresh. "Sacre nom du Diable!" he cried, his face crimson with rage. What fool placed these things here? My boots? My"
 His jaw fell. He stopped on the word, stricken silent by the new aspect of the room, by the sight of the little party at the table, by all the changes I had worked. Saint Siege!" he nut tered. What is this?" The lieutenants grizzled face peering over his shoulder completed the picture. .a1s ne. You are rather late, NJ. le Capi- taine," I said cheerfully. 'Madam's hour is eleven. But come, here are your seats waiting for you"
 "Mille tonnerres!" he muttered, ad- vancing into the room, and glaring at us.
 'I am afraid the ragout is cold" continued, peering into the dish and affecting to see nothing. "The soup, however. has been kept hot by the fire. But think you do not see madam"
 He opened his mouth to swear, but for the moment thought better of it. "Who-who put my boots in the pas sage?" he asked, his voice thick with rage. He did not bow to the ladies, or take any notice of their presence.
 "One of the men. suppose" said indifferently. "Is anything missing?"
 He glared at me. Then his cloak, spread outside, caught his eye. He strode through the door, saw his hol- sters lying on the grass and other things strewn about He came back. Whose monkey game is this?" he snarled, and his face was very ugly. Who is at the bottom of this? Speak, Sir, or T."
 "Tut-tut! the ladies'" I said. You forget yourself, Monsieur"
 Forget myself?" he missed, and this time he did not check his oath. Don't talk to me of the ladies' Madam? Bah! Do you think, fool, that we are put into rebels houses to bow and smile and take dancing lessons?"
 Tn this case lesson in politeness were more to the point, Monsieur" I said sternly. And rose.
 Was it by your orders that this was done?" he retorted, his brow black with passion. Answer, will you?"
 "It was!" replied outright.
 Then take that!" he cried, dashing his hat violently in my face. And come 
 With pleasure, Monsieur, answer ed, lowing. Tn one moment. Permit me to find my sword. I think it is in the passage"
 went thither to get 1t. When I re- turned I found that the two men were waiting for me in the garden, while the ladies had risen from the table and were standing near it with blanched faces. ''Yon had better take your sis ter upstairs, Mademoiselle," I said gently, pausing a moment beside them. Have no fear. All will be we'll"
 But what is it?" she answered, looking troubled "It was so sudden. I am-I did not understand. You quar- relied So quickly"
 Tt is very simple" answered, smil- ing. M. le Capitaine insulted you yes terday: he will pay for it today. That is all Or. not quite all," I continued. dropping my voice and speaking in a different tone. His removal may help you, MzdemOiselle. Do you understand? I think that there will be 10 more searching today"
 She uttered an exclamation, grasp ing my arm and peering into my face You will kill him7" she muttered.
 nodded Why not?s I said
 She caught her breath and stood with one hand elasped to her bosom, gazing at me with parted lips. the blood mounting to her cheeks Gradually the flush melted into a fierce smile Yes. yes, why not?" she repeated. between her teeth Why not7- She had her hand on ny arm and I felt her fingers tighten until I could have Einced- why not. So you planned this-for us. Monsieur
 I nodded.
 But can youz-
 Safely said; then. muttsrins to