Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-01

was not troubled. And he won't blame
either. When he me, he'll know what it
means"
And, in fact, intend to help. So do we all,
think
1T was our oath in Voseni, she answered.
They think monsegneur will sleep the better for
it But l know well that nothing troubles
seigneurs sleep: And l am SO selfish that wish he
could be troubled-yes, troubled about me; that
he could be riding in the spirit with tonight,
hoping for Our victory: yet very anxious, very
anxious about me- that l could still bring him joy
and sorrow, grief and delight. | can't desire that
monseigneur should sleep we'll They are kinder
to him-his folk of Voseni. They not
jealous of his sleep-not jealous of the peace of
death. But 1 am very jealous of it. l to him
now just as all the rest are; | too am nothing to
mOnseigneur now
Who knows? Who can know" said Zerko-
witch softly
His attempted consolation, his invoking of the
old persistent hope the saving doubt did not
reach her heart In her great love of life the best
she could ask of the tomb was a little memory
there. So she had told monseigneur; such
the thought in her heart tonight. So was jealous
and forlorn because of the silent darkness which had
wrapped her lover from her sight and so enveloped
him. He could not even ride with her in the spirit
the night when she went forth to avenge the
death she mourned!
The night broke toward dawn the horizon grew
gray. Lukovitch drew in lis rein, and the party
fell to gentle trot. Their journey almost
done Presently they halted for a consultation.
Then they logged again in the order,
that Sophy and Zerkovitch rode with
Lukovitch at the head of the party. In
other half-hour, the heavens tightening yet more,
they could discern the double of low trees
which marked at irregular intervals the course of
the river across the plain At TIE same moment
of squat buildings rose in murky white between
them and the river bank.
Lukovtch pointed to it with his hand. There
we are, madam he said. That's the farmhouse
at the right end, and the barn the left within
hundred yards of the lock There is our shelter till
the Colonel comes"
What of the farmer?' asked Zerkovitch.
We shall catch him in his bed-lim and his
20 Of
them. They keep the lock and have few of
pastureland to exc out their living. They will give
trouble If they do can lock them in
and turn the key. Then lie quiet in the
barn; with bit of close packing, it will take all.
Peter Vassp and l will be lock-keepers if any
thing comes by. We know the work, Ell Peter?"
Aye, Captain; and the man-Peters his name
too, by the way-1nust give us something to hide
sheepskins.'
Sophy turned to Zerkovitch She was smiling
" 1t sounds very simple doesn't it," she
2, "Then we watch our chance for dash when
the Colonel is off his guard" Lukovtch went on.
But if he won't oblige in that way?" asked
Zerkovitch, with a laugh
Then he shall have the reward of his virtue
in a better fight for the guns, said Lukovitch
Now, lads, readyi Listen! | am going forward
with Peter Vassip here and four more. We will
secure the and his wife; there might be
girl on the premises too, perhaps When you
hear my whistle the rest of you will follow.
You will take command, Zerkovitch?" He
turned to Sophy. Madam, will you
with stay here?"
III follow with NJ Zerkovitch," she said
We ought all to be in the barn before it's
light"
the river, you see, and it wouldn't do for the
on board to see anybody but Vassip and me- who
to be the 1ock-keepers."
He and Peter Vassip rode off with their party of
four and the rest waited in field couple of hun
dred yards from the barn--a dip in the ground
afforded fair cover. Some of the began to
dismount but Zerkovitch stopped them 1T is