The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1905-12-29
CHAPTER Y.

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 faultless at
tire. l put an armed guard by the
prisoners at the door, under command
of D'ri. Then l had them bare the
feet of the four Britishers, knowing
they could not run bootless in the
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 hornet-wings
above us. 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.
Does mex a man humly t hev any
trouble with them air willy-come-
bobs. He meant wasps
| had had no opportunity for more
than word with the young ladies. |
hoped it might come when | went in
for 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.
"Eh bien, only this" said she: 81
have dropped my ring in the brook.
II is my emerald. l 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" l said TO the hostess,
rising as ! spoke, Il shall try to get
it for her.
an sieur lie Captaine. you are very
obliging," said she. Inen, turning &c
Louison, she added in French: &c
with him. He will recover it for you"
1t pleased and flattered me, the STRAIT
egg Of this wonderful young creature.
She led me, with dainty steps, through
dewy garden walk into the trail.
"Parbleu!" she whispered. lis it not
a shame to take you from your meat?
But | could not help it. l had to see
you; there is something | wish to say"
"A pretty girl is better than meat"
l answered quickly Il am indebted
to you"
My! but you have a ready tongue"
said she. 1T is with me a pleasure TO
listen. You are going away? You
shall not return-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 a little time by
the return of peril and the smoke of
gunpowder, flashed up in me.
1T is this" she went on: Il may wish
you to do me a favor. May | have
your address,"
And you may command me-" l said
as | gave it to her.
Have a care!" she said, laughing.
81 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" l remarked.
Perhaps" she said, quickly. Mon
Dieu! l do not know what l want!
am fool. Take this. Wear it when
you are gone. Not that l care-but-
it will make you remember"
She held in her fingers a flashing
emerald on a tiny circlet of gold. Be
fore | could answer she had laid it in
my hard palm and shut my hand up
on It,
"Dieu!" she exclaimed, whispering,
II must return must hurry. Re-
member, We did not find the ring"
felt a great impulse to 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 a lively
team of four. Then my horse and one
for Dri 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 adieux. Louison had a
merry smile and a 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 a squad
6 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.
He was great whip. that man David
Parish, who had built a big mansion
at Ogdensburg and owned so much OF
the north country those days. He was
a gentleman when the founders of the