Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-06
CHAPTER V.
REVENGE.

had now said in the moment of her own, could have borne it. She might have shamed me then, and might have taken the shame to myself and forgiven her. But, as 1t was, I stood there in the gathering dusk, between the darkening hedges, baffied, tricked, defeated! And by woman! She had pitted her wits against mine, her wom- ans will against my experience, and she had come off the victor. And then she had reviled me. As I took it all in and began to comprehend, also, the more remote results,s and how com pletely her move had made further progress on my part impossible, hated her. She had tricked me with her gracious ways and her slow-com- ing smile And, after all-for what she had said it was this mans life or mine. What had I done that another man would not do? Mon Dieu! In the fu- ture there was nothing I would not do I would make her smart for those words of hers! I would bring her to her knees!
 Still, hot as was, an hour might have restored me to coolness. But when started to return I fell into a rage, for remember that did not know my way out of the, maze of rides and paths into which she had drawn me; and this and the mishaps which followed kept my rage hot. For full hour wandered in the wood, unable, though I knew where the will lage lay, to find any track which led continuously in one direction. When ever, at the end of each attempt, the thicSet brought me up short, fancied l heard her laughing on the farther side of the brake; and in the igno- miny of this chance punishment, the check which the confinement placed on my rage, almost maddened me. In the darkness, fell. and rose cursing: I tore my hands with thorns; stained my suit, which had suffered sadly be- fore At length. when I had almost resigned myself to lie in the wood, I caught sight of the lights of the vil- lage, and trembling between haste and anger, pressed towards them. In a few minutes stood in the little street.
 The lights of the inn shone only 50 yards away; but before could show myself even there pride suggested that I should do something to repair my clothes. I stopped and zcraped and brushed them and at the same time, did ubof I eould 4o non,poSo y,x foa lures. Then I advanced to the door and knocked. Almost on the instant the landlords voice called from the in side, "Enter, Monsieur"
 I raised the latch and went in. The man was alone, squatting over the fire, warming his hands. A black pot simmered on the ashes: as I entered, he raised the lid and peeped inside. Then he glanced over his shoulder.
 g'You expected me?' I said defiant ". walking to the hearth. and setting one of my damp boots on the logs.
 "Yes," he answered. nodding curtly. Your supper is just ready. I thought you would be in about this time"
 He grinned as he spoke and it was with difficulty suppressed my wrath. "Mademoiselle de Cocheforet told you," I said, affecting indifference, where was?"
 "Ay, mademoiselle-or madam" he replied. grinning afresh
 So she told him where she had left me and how she had tricked me! She had made me the village laughing stock! My rage flashed out afresh at the thought. and. at the sight of his mocking face. raised my fist.
 But he read the threat in my eyes. and was up in moment. snarling. with his hand on his knife Not again. Mon sieur!" he cried. in his vile patois. My head is sore still. Raise your hand and will rip you up as would ,pig!"
 "SIt down. fool" I said. 'I am not going to harm you. Where is your wlfe?"
 About her business"
 (Which should be getting my sup per" retorted sharply.
 He rose sullenly. and. fetching a platter. poured the mess Of broth and vegetables into it. Then he went to s cupboard and brought out loaf of black bread and a measure of wine and set them also on the table. You see it" he said laconically.
 And a poor welcome," exclaimed
 He famed into sudden passion al that. Leaning with both his hands on the table, he thurst his rugged face and blood-shot eyes close to mine His mustache bristled: his beard trem- bled. ''Hark ye. Sirrah," he nut tered, with sulIen emphasis--be con- tenti have my suspicious And if it were not for my lady's orders I would put a knife into you. fair or foui. this very night. You would lie snng outside, instead of inside and do not think any one would be the worse. But, as 1t is, be content Keep a still tongue: and when. you turn your hack on COcheforet tO-moTroE, keep it turned
 Tut tutis I said-but I confess uss little out of eountensncs- 'Threatened men live long yO1 rsscal.-
 Tn Parisi- he answered signihcaut- iy. Not here. Monsieur.
 He straixhtsned himself with that, nodded once. and vent back 10 the fire, and shrugged my shoulders and be- Ezn to eat. affecting to forget his pres ~-ee. The logs on the hearth burned