The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-03-10
CHAPTER III.

tragedy is enacted"
CHAPTER II.
lie Bland paused and waited anxious
ly for an answer, but Rosalthe remained
silent.
"Will you go to Harrodsburgh, Made
moiselle Aston, in order to escape the
fate in reserve for yonder brave but
infatuated families" asked the French
man. seriously.
And leave my dearest friendsT' said
Rosalthe, calmly. "Your motives may
be excellent, sir, but / reject your coun-
sell ! will not go; I will remain and
share the fortunes of those I love, what
ever they may be. But I would not
appear ungrateful. l thank you for your
Kind attentions. Adieu! My decision
is final"
ut is MOTT must not ber' cried the
Frenchman, emphatically. 81 CAM
Will not consent to such a sacrificed
Il cannot understand whence comes
your intimate knowledge of the contem-
plated movements of the Indians and
their French and British allies" said
Rosalthe. Neither can l fully appre-
ciate the motives which can induce you
to offer safety to me and no others.
You have been for a period the guest
OF the settlers, and Captain Boone, my
father and others have treated you with
Kindness and true hospitality; why not
go to them and make known the dan
ger that is hourly drawing nearer and
nearer"
1here are many reasons that shape
my actions which l cannot explain, but a
strong-an Observation-Disclosures to save
You has induced me to give you a word
of timely warning"
My resolution to dare every peril
with natural guardians and protectors is
as strong rs human will can make it."
said Rosalthe.
Promise me, at least, that you will
lock this secret in your own bosom, and
reflect on what have said for four-and.
twenty hours" continued LIE Bland, con-
siderably agitated.
Il will make no promises, IL you
please" answered the young lady.
How vexatious! how perverse!' ex-
claimed the Frenchman, petulantly.
"Mademoiselle, you must listen to rea-
son; you must be rational; you must
promise to keep my secret for at least
twenty -four hours" and LIE Bland placed
himself before her and barred her fur
Their progress.
Rosalthe quailed before the stern
glances of LIE Bland, and would have
called for assistance had she dared; but
the terror which the Frenchman's con-
duct inspired, sealed up her lips, and
from him, she exclaimed:
Il promise; let me pass"
at is well; be careful that In some
unguarded moment you do not betray
the secret" rejoined LIE Bland, In a mild
er tone, but without moving from her
path.
This is annoying, sir and Ill becomes
you as a guest and a friend" said Miss
Aston, whose perturbation momentarily
increased, and was now mingled with
some just Indignation.
Stand aside, sir, If you are a gentle
man," said voice that made Rosalthe's
heart beat with gladness. She beheld
a young hunter at the distance Of few
yards away, with a rifle in his hand, a
powder horn and ball pouch slung at his
side, together with the usual accompani-
ments of such a calling. The strangers
face was somewhat flushed with resent
upon the Frenchman.
lie Bland, who appeared chagrined
and displeased, stepped from Rosalthe's
path, bowed as she passed, and then
turned towards the hunter with an ex-
preston that might be construed into
anything rather than appreciation.
With smile of contempt he scanned
him from head to foot, then remarked.
as If his words were intended for no
ears save his own.
"A knight in hunting shirt-a speci.
men Of the infant chivalry of Ken.
lucky. Young fellow, what may be
your business with me?"
II have no further demand to make
IF your courtesy, SIR" replied the hunt
,r, looking after the retreating figure
If Rosalthe.
Extremely modest and ingenious
'outh!" exclaimed the Frenchman. iron
cally. by what particular combination
If letters are you usually known?"
THE condescending monsieur wishes
% know my name; 1t is Allan Norwood"
'eplied the hunter.
did 1t ever occur to you, excellent
Allan, that meddling with other peoples
lffairs is not always safe and profitable
'usinessT said LIE Bland. knitting his
,rows.
Il have some knowledge, proud
Frenchman, of what belongs to a gentle
nan. l know how to defend my honor,
Ind punish impertinence," rejoined Al
an.
you are there, are your You carry
I bravely. I'll humor your mood, my
doughty rustic, and though you are not |
ny equal, l will meet you on equal |
erms. Have you pistols, worthy Al |
AMI"
Il have, and you may take your choice |
# the pair" answered the hunter, calm.
y.
"Let us walk yonder, then, out of |
fearing Of the settlers, and adjust this
title affair.""
The two now diverged from the rivers |
'ank, LIE Bland leading the way. Push
ng aside the bushes at every step and |
'assing over some pretty rough ground |