Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-02
CHAPTER L. AT zAToN's.


 words in my teeth. He thought, I'll be sworn, that should storm and swear and ruf1e 1t like any common cock of the hackle. But that was never Gil de Berault's way. For a few seconds after he had spoken did not even look at him. passed my eye instead-smiling bien entendu- round the ring of waiting faces, saw that there was no one except De Pom bal had cause to fear; and then at last I rose and looked at the fool with the grim face have known impose on older and wiser men.
 Marked cards, M PAnglais?" said, with chilling sheer. ''They are used, am told. to trap players not unbirched schoolboys,"
 "Yet I say that they are marked!" he replied hotly, in his queer foreign 1argon. "In my last hand had nothing. You doubted the stakes. Bah, Sir, you knew! You have swim dled mel"
 Monsieur is easy to swindle-when he plays with mirror behind him." T answered tartly. And at that there was a great roar of laughter, which might have been heard in the street, and which brought to the table every nne in the eating house whom his vio- fence had not already attracted. But did not relax my face. waited until all was quiet again, and then waiving aside two or three who stood between us and the entrance, pointed gravely to the door. There is little space behind the church of St. Jacques, M. rEtranger," I said, putting on my hat and taking my cloak on my arm. 'Doubtless you will accompany me thither7" G@Et$.8 %t
 He snatched up his hat, his face burning with shame and rage. With pleasure!" he blurted out. "To the devil, if you like!" #a.
 I thought the matter arranged, when the marquis laid his hand on the young fellows arm and checked him. This must not be-" he said, turning from him to me with his grand fine gentle mans air. You know me, M. de Berault. This matter has gone far enough" -
 "Too far, M. de Pombal!" answered bitterly "Still, if you wish to take the gentleman's place, shall raise no objection" N eF
 "Chut. mani" he retorted, struggling his shoulders negligently, "I know you, and I do not fight with men of your stamp. Nor need this gentle man."
 Undoubtedly" I replied, lowing low, If he prefers to be caned in the streets"
 That stung the marquis. ''Have a care! have a care!" he cried hotly. ''You go too far. M Berault"
 De Berault, If you please. I ob- jected, eyeing him sternly. My fami- ly has born the de as long as yours, M. de Pombal."
 He could not deny that and he answered, "As you please" at the same time restraining his friend by a ges- ture. "But none the less, take my advice" he continued. "The cardinal has forbidden dueling, and this time he means 1t! You have been in trouble once and gone free. A second time 1t may fare worse with you. Let this gentleman go, therefore, M. de Berault Besides-why, shame upon you, mani" he exclaimed hotly; "he is bvt lad!"
 Two or three who stood behind me Rpplauded that. But turned and they met my eye; and they were as mum as mice. His age is his own concern" said grimly. He was old enough a while ago to insult me"
 And I will prove my words!" the lad cried, exploding at last. He had spirit enough, and the marquis had had hard work to restrain him SO long. You do me no service. M. de Pombal." he continued. pettishly shaking of his friends hand. By your leave, this gentleman and I will settle this matter"
 That is better" I said, nodding dryly. while the marquis stood aside. frowning and bafled. Permit me to lead the way"
 Zaton's eating-house stands scarcely . hundred paees from St. Jacques Ia Boucherie. and half the company went thither with us The evening was wet, the light in the streets was wan ing. the streets themselves were dirty and slippery. There were few passers in the Rue St. Antoine: and our party. which earlier in the day must have Extracted notice and q crowd crossed unmarked and entered without in- terrHption the paved triangle which lies Immediately behind the church I saw in the distance one of the eardi- naTs guard lettering in front of the scaffoldiug round the new Hotel Riche- lieu: and the sight of the uniform gave us pause for a moment But it was too late to repent.
 The Enzlishman began at once to strip of his clothes. I closed mine to the throat. for the afr was chilly. At that moment. while ve stood pre- paring and most of the company seemed a little inclined to stand of from me. felt a hand on my arm. and. turning. saw the dvarhzh tailor a, whose house in the Rus SavOunsris I lodged at the time. The fellows .pressnos vas unEelooue. to say the least of it. and though for want of better company I had so1etiues en-