Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-09-18
CHAPTER v.-(Continued.

CHAPTER V.-(Continued)
pardon him not answering, Madame"
interposed Vandeloup 'he has the misfor-
tune to be dumb"
"DumbF echoed Madame, with a
glance of commiseration, while Archie
looked startled, and Selma mentally OBJ
cerved that silence was golden.
Yes, he has been so from his birth
at least, so he gives me to understand"
said CASTOR, 'but it's more likely the re-
suit of an accident, for he can hear
though he cannot speak. However, he is
strong and willing to work; and l also,
II you viii kindly give me an opportu-
nifty" added he, with a winning smile
'You have not many qualifications,
said Madame, shortly, angry with herself
for so taking to this young mans suave
manner.
'Probaly not" retorted Vandeloup,
with a cynical smile. Il fancy it will
be more a case of charity than anything
else, as we are starving"
Surely not as bad as thatT observed
Mrs. Villiers, in a softer tone.
"Why not?" retorted the Frenchman,
carelessly. I'VE are strangers in a strange
land, and it is hard to obtain employ
ment. Ny companion Pierre can work in
your mine, and if you will take me on
can keep your books"-with sudden
glance at file of papers on the table.
Thank you, keep nay own books
replied Madame, shortly. What do you
say to engaging them, Archie?"
I'VE might give them try" said Nc
IntOsh, cautiously. aye do need a fggeI
man, as | told We, and the other man
can work in the claim"
Very WE'LL" she said, sharply; you
are engaged, NJ Vandeloup, as my clerk,
and your companion can work in the
mine. AS to wages and all that, we will
settle tomorrow, but l think you will
find everything satisfactory"
II am sure of that, Madame" returned
Vandeloup with bow.
And now" said Madame Midas, gra-
ciously, relaxing somewhat now that bust
ness was over, you had better have some
supper"
Pierre's face lighted up when he heard
this invitation, and Vandeloup bowed po-
litely.
You are very kind" he said, leoking
at Mrs Villiers in a friendly manner
supper is rather novelty to both of u.s. ="
Selma meanwhile had gone out and
turned with some cold beef and pickles,
and a large loaf of bread. These she
placed on the table, and then retired to
her seat again, inwardiy rebellious at
having two tramps at the table, but out
wardly calm.
Pierre fell upon the victuals before him
with the yoracity of a starving animal,
and ate and drank in such a savage man
ner that Madame was conscious of a kind
of curious repugnance, and even Archie
was startled out of his Scotch phlegm.
Vandeloup, however, ate very little and
soon finished; then filling a glass of water
he held it to his lips and bowed again to
Madame Midas.
ITO your health, Madame" he said,
drinking.
I'VE are not absolute barbarians, NJ.
Vandeloup," said Madame, with smile,
as she arose and held out her hand to
the young man; land now good night, for
/ am feeling tired and l will see you to-
morrow. Mr.. Mcintosh will show you
where you are to sleep"
Nandeloup took the hand she held ont
to him and pressed it TO his lips with a
sudden gesture. Madame, ne SAID, pas
sionately, you are an angel, for to-day
you have saved the lives of two men"
Madame snatched her hand away
quickly, and a flush Of annoyance spread
over her face as she saw how Selma
and Archie stared. Vandeloup, however,
did not wait for her answer. but went
out, followed by Pierre. Archie put on
his hat and walked out otter them, while
Madame Midas stood looking at Selma
with a Thoughtful expression of counte-
nance.
II don't know if I've done a right
thing, Selma" she said at length ''but
as they were starving l could hardly
turn them away"
Cast your bread on the waters and it
shall come back after many days-but-
tered" said Selma, gil ing her own version
of the text.