Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-22
CHAPTER xI.

| "uo PShACNtiy o"AAS OA eAAs l importance of the mission
 which had been assigned t him. He knew enough of the intrigues and antagonisms with which the cour1 was full to understand that every pre- caution was necessary in carrying out his instructions. He waited, therefore until night had fallen before ordering his soldier-servant to bring round the two horses to one of the less public gates of the grounds. As he and his friend walked together to the spot he gave the young American a rapid sketch of the situation at the court and of the chance that this nocturnal ride might be an event which would affect the future history of France.
 Are you armed?" he asked. You have no sword or pistols?"
 No; if I may not carry my gun ! had rather not be troubled by tool1 that l have never learned to use. have my knife. But why Q you ask P
 Because there may be danger. Many have an interest in stopping this mar riage. All the first men of the king dom are bitterly against it. If they could stop us, they would stop 1t, for tonight at least"
 "But thought it was secret"
 "There is no such thing at a court There is the dauphin or the kings brother. Either or them or any of their friends would be right glad that we should be in the Seine before we reach ed the archbishop's house this night. But who is this?"
 A burly figure had loomed up through the gloom on the path upon which they were going. As 1t approached, col ored lamp dangling from one of the trees shone upon the blue and silver of an officer of the guards. It was Major de Brissac of De Catinat's own regi- ment.
 Hello! Whither awayT he asked.
 'To Paris, major.'
 q go there myself within an hour. Will you not wait, that we may go togetherY'
 T am sorry, but ride on matter of urgency"
 "very good. Good night, and a pleas ant ride"
 ''Is he . trusty man, our friend the major?" asked Amos Green, glancing back.
 "True as steel"
 "Then I would have q word with him." The American hurried back along the way they had come, while De Catinat stood chafing at this un- necessary delay. It was full five minutes before his companion joined him. and the fiery blood of the French soldier was hot with impatience.
 q think that perhaps you had best ride into Paris at your leisure, my friend" said he. If I go upon the kings service I cannot be delayed whenever the whim takes you"
 "I am sorry," answered the other quietly. T had something to say to your major, and I thought that maybe l might not see him again."
 "Weii. here are the horses" said the guardsman as he pushed open the postern gate. Have you fed and wa tered them, JaquesT
 "Yes, my captain" answered the man.
 Boot and saddle. then. friend Green, and we shall not draw rein again until we see the lights of Paris"
 For a mile or more the comrades galloped along. The road was very dark, and 1t was hard but for the. loom upon either side to tell where 1t lay. De Catinat at least found 1t so. and he peered anxiously over his horses ears and stopped his face to the mane in his efforts to see his way.
 "what do you make of the roadf' he asked at last.
 Tt looks as If a good many carriage wheels had passed over 1t today"
 "What! Mon Dieu! Do you mean to say that you can see carriage wheels therey'
 Certainly. Why not?"
 "why. man, I cannot see the road at all"
 Amos Green laughed heartily. "When you have travelled in the woods by night as often as I have" said he, "when to show a light may mean to lose your hair. one comes to learn to use one's eyes"
 ~Then you had best ride on. and I shall keep just behind you. So! Hola! What is the matter nowT'
 There had been the sudden sharp snap of something breaking, and the American had reeled for an instant in the saddle.
 'Irs one of my stirrup leatherh It has fallen-
 ~Can you find itY'
 "Yes, but I can ride as well without it Let us push on"
 "very good I can just see you now
 They had galIoped for about i've minutes in this fashion. De Catinats horse's head within . few feet of the others tail. when there was . second snap. and the guardsmsn rolled out of the saddle on to the ground. He kept his grip of the reins. however. and was up in an instant at his horse's head.
 "A thousand thunders of hesvenr' he cried. what vas it that happened thenr
 Your leather has gone too"
 "Tro stirrup leathers in i've min