Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-11
UNDER THE
 RED ROBE
By STANLEY J. WHITMAN


 init me, you will find the consequences 1 inconvenient"
 "Ho! ho!" he said, with a sheer. You can crow, it seems. We'll, come in."
 They made way and I walked into the hall, keeping my hat on On the great hearth a fire had been kindled, 1 but 1t had gone out. Three or four 1 carbines stood against one wall and beside them lay heap of haversacks ! and some straw. A shattered stool, i broken in a frolic and half dozen 1 empty wineskins strewed the floor and helped to give the place an air of un- ! tidiness and disorder. I looked round with eyes of disgust and my gorge rose. They had spilled oil and the place reeked foully. -@ .. ''Ventre bleu!" I said 'Is this con duct in a gentleman's house, you rascals? Ma vie. If I had you, would send half of you to the wooden horset' They gazed at me open-mouthed My arrogance startled them. The sergeant alone scowled. When he could find his voice for rage This way" he said. "We did not know a general officer was coming, or we would have been better prepared!" And muttering oaths under his breath he led me down the well-known pas sage At the door of the parlor he stopped Introduce yourself!" he said rudely. And if you find the air warm, don't blame mel"
 l raised the latch and went in. At a, table in front of the hearth, half ccv- cred with glasses and bottles, sat two men playing hazard. The dice rang l sharply as I entered and ne who had just thrown kept the box over them while he turned. scowling, to see who came in He was a fair haired, blonde man, large-framed and florid. He had put off his cuirass and boots and his doublet showed frayed and stained where the armour had pressed on it. But otherwise he was in the extreme of last years fashion. His deep cravat. folded over so that the laced ends dropped little in front, was of the finest; his great sash of blue and sill yer was foot wide. He had little jewel in one ear and his tiny beard was peaked a I Espagnole. Probably when he turned he expected to see the ser geant, for at sight of me he rose slowly,
 
 What folly is this?" he cried wrath fully. Here, Sergeant! Sergesnt!-- without there! What the! Who are you, Sir?"
 Captain Larolle," I said, uncovering politely, q believe?"
 "Yes, am Captain Larolle." he re- torted. "Rut who. in the fiend's name. are you? You are not the man We are after"
 ''I am not NJ. Coch eforet," I said coolly. q am merely guest in the house, M. le Capitaine. have been en- toying Madam de Cocheforet's hospi- tality for some time. but by an evil chance was away when you arrived " And with that l walked to the hearth, and, gently pushing aside his great boots which stood there drying, kicked the logs into blaze.
 Mile diables!" he whispered. And never did see a man more coEfounded. But ' affected to be taken m with his companion. a sturdy, white-mustached old veteran, who sat back in his chair. cycling we, with swollen cheeks and eyes surcharged with surprise.
 Good evening, VI. de Lieutenant" said. lowing gravely. Tt is a fiue night"
 Then the storm burst.
 Fine night" the captain shrieked. finding his voice again. Mile diables, Are you aware. Sir. that I am in pos session of this house ani that no one