The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-11-29
CHAPTER y-(Continued.

CHAPTER VI Continued.)
Pardon him not answering. Madame.
nterrosed yandeloup, he has the misfor-
tune to be dumb"
Dumb echoed Madame, with a
glance of commiseration. while Archie
looked startled. and Selma mentally OBJ
served that silence was golden.
Yes, he has been SO from his birth
&C least, so he gives me to understand .
said CASTOR, "but it's more likely the re-
salt of an accident. for he can hear
though he cannot speak. However, he is
strong and willing to work; and I also,
II you will kindly give me an opportu-
atty" added ne, with winning smile.
You have not many qualifications,
said Madame, shortly, angry with herself
for 30 taking to this young mans suave
manner.
'Probaly not" retorted yandeloup.
with a cynical smile Il fancy it will
De more case of charity than anything
else, as we are starving
Surely not as bad as that?" observed
Mrs Eilliers, in softer tone.
Why not?" retorted the Frenchman,
carelessly. I'VE are strangers in a strange
land, and il is hard to obtain employ
nent. My companion Pierre eau work in
your mine, and if you will take me on l
can keep your books"-with a sudden
glance at q file of papers on the table.
Thank you, / keep my own books, >
replied Madame, shortly. What do you
say 10 engaging them, Archie?"
I'VE might give them a try" said Nc
Intosh, cautiously. "Ye do need a figger
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
and everything satisfactory"
Il am sure of that, Madame" returned
vandeloup with bow.
And now" said Madame Midas, gra-
:iously, relaxing somewhat now that bust
ness was over, you had better have some
supper"
Pierre's face lighted up whep he heard
This invitation, and vandelour bowed po-
litely.
You are very kind" he said, looking
Mt Mrs Villiers in a friendly manner I;
supper is rather novelty to both of us. :"
Selma meanwhile had gone out, and
turned with some cold beef and pickles.
and large loaf of bread. These she
placed on the table, and then retired to
her seat again, inwardiy rebellio1s at
having two tramps AT the table, but out
wardly calm.
Pierre fell upon the victuals before him
with the voracity of a starving animal,
and ate and drank in such a savage man
ner that Madame was conscious Of a kind
d curious repugnance, and even Archie
was startled out of his Scotch phlegm.
vsndeloup, however. ate very little and
soon finished; then filling glass of water
he held it to his lips and bowed again to
Madame Midas.
To your health, Madame" he said,
drinking.
I'VE are not absolute barbarians, NJ.
Vandeloup," said Madame, with a smile,
As she arose and held out her hand to
the young man; land nov good night, for
I am feeling tired and will see you to-
morrow. Mr.. Mcintosh will show you
where you are to Sleep"
Vandeloup took the hand she held out
20 him and pressed it TO his lips with
sudden gesture. Madame" he said. pas
sionately, you are an angel, for to-day
you have saved the lives of two men,"
Madame snatched her hand AYR
quickly, and a flush of annoyance spreS
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 Thoughtful expression of counte-
nance.
Il don't know If I've done a right
ching, Selma" she said at length: but
a. they were starving | could hardly
turn them away"
Cast your bread on the waters and il
shall come back after many days-but-
tered" said Selma. giving her own version
Of the text.