The Irish standard., 1905-04-08
CHAPTER X.

! CHAPTER y.
The shooting and shouting and the
! tramp of horse and man had reused
I everybody in the big house. Even the
! general came down to know what was
! the matter The young ladies came,
! pale and frightened, but in fautless at
tire. | put an armed guard by the
! prisoners at the door under command
OF D'ri. Then | had them bare the
feet of the four Britishers, knowing
they could not run bootless in the
i brush. We organized a convoy-the
! general and land prepared to start
for the garrison. We kept the smudges
going, for now and then we could hear
the small thunder of rnet-wngs
! above lis. There is mighty menace
in it. can tell you, if 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 S joemightyful GURUS.
I Does mex a man humly t. hev any
trouble with them air willy-come-
bcbs." He meant wasps.
had had no opportunity for more
than Il word with the young ladies.
/ hoped it might come when | went in
for a hasty breakfast with the baron
ess, the count, the general and Mr..
Parish. AS we were eating, Louison
came in hurriedly. She showed some
agitation.
What is the trouble, my dear?"
said the baroness, in French.
Eth bien, only this" said she: II
have dropped my ring in the brook.
II 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,
rising as spoke, II shall try to get
IL for her."
"M'sieur lie Capitaine. you are very
oblging,' said she. Then, turning to
Lonison, she added in French: Go
with him. He will recover il for YOU"
II pleased and battered me. the STRAIT
egy OF this wonderful young creature.
She led me- with dainty steps, through
n dewy garden walk into the trail
"Parblell" she whispered. lis it not
a shame to take you from your meat?
But could not help it. ! had to see
You; there is something wish to say"
"a pretty girl is better than meat"
| answered quickly. Il am indebted
to you"
MY! but Non have ready tongue"
said she. ut is with me a pleasure to
listen. You are going away? You
Shall not let,lrn-perhaps?
She was trying to look very gay 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
gunpowder, flashed up in me-
at is this, she went on: 81 may wish
you to do me favor. May have
| your address,"
"And you may command me-" said
as gave it to her.
"Have a care!" she said, laughing.
II 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! l
am fool Take this. Wear it when
you are gone. Not that ! care-but-
it will make you remember"
She held in her fingers a flashing
emerald on tiny circlet of gold. Be-
fore l could answer she had laid it in
my hard palm and shut my hand up
on IT..
"Dieu!" she exclaimed, whispering,
81 must return-I must hurry. Re-
member, We did not find the ring"
felt great impulse 10 embrace her
and confess my love. But | was not
quick enough. Before | could speak
she had turned away and was running.
l 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 lively
team Of four. Then my horse and one
for D'ri were brought up.
"Do not forget" said the baroness,
holding my hand, you are always well
come in my house. l hope, ma fol!
that you will never find happiness I'M
til you RETURN
The young ladies came not to the
step where we were, but stood by the
count waving adeux. Louison had a
merry smile and pretty word of
French for me; Louise only sober
look that made me sad, if 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, if, by chance, the
British should renew their attack Mr..
Parish and his footman and the gen.
eral went with us, the former driving.
D'ri and rode on behind as the coach
went off at a gallop.
Ito Be Continued.l