The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1906-02-22
CHAPTER I.-CoNrrNuEp.

could see nothing except the figures
that Immediately surrounded me,
wished I had given him the money.
At such times. when all hangs in the
balance and the sky is overcast, the
mind runs on luck and old supersti-
lions, and is prone 10 think a crown
given here may avail there-though
"there" be q hundred leagues away.
The Palais Richelieu was at that
time in building. and we were required
20 wait in a long, bare gallery, where
the masons we're at work. was kept
a fun hour here, pondering uncom-
fortably on the strange whims and fan
cies Of the great man who then ruled
France as the kings lieutenant-gen-
eral, With all the kings powers; and
whose life had once been the means
of saving by a little timely informa-
fion. On one occasion he had done
something to wipe out the debt; and
at other times he had permitted me to
be free with him. We we're not I'M
known to one another, therefore.
Nevertheless, when the doors were
at last thrown open, and | was led
into his presence. my confidence under
went a shock His cold glance, that,
rowing over me, regarded me not as
a man but an item, the steely glitter
of his southern eyes, chilled me to the
hone. The room was bare, the floor
without carpet or covering. Some Of
the woodwork lay about. unfinished
and IN pieces. But the man-this man,
needed no surroundings. His keen,
pale face, his brilliant eyes, even his
presence-though he was OF no great
height and began already to stoop at
the shouiders-were enough 10 awe the
boldest. I recalled as I looked at him
a hundred tales OF his iron will his
cold heart, his unerring craft He had
humbled the kings brother. the splen-
, did Duke Of Orleans, In the dust He
had curbed the queen-mother. A doz-
en- heads. the mobiles in France. had
come to the block through him. Only
two years before he had quelled Ro-
chelle: only a few months before he
had crushed the great insurrection In
Languedoc; and though the south.
stripped Of its old privileges. still
seethed with discomfort. no one in this
year 1880 dared lift a hand against
him-openly at any rate. Under the
surface a hundred plots, a thousand
mtrigues, sought his life OF his power;
but these, | suppose, are the hap OF
svery great man.
No wonder, then, that the courage
On which I plumed myself sank
low on sight OF him; OF that
II was as much as l could do to min
gle with the humility of my salute
some touch Of the sangfroid of old ae-
uuaintanceship.
And perhaps that had been better
left out For this man was without
bowels. For a moment, while he stood
looking at me and before he spoke to
me, ] gave myself up for lost There
was a CLINT of cruel satisfaction in his
eyes that warned me before he spoke,
what he was going to say to me.
Il could not have made a better
catch, NJ. de Berault." he said. smil-
ing villainously, while he gently
smoothed the fur Of a cat that had
sprung on the table beside him. IAN
old offender and an excellent exam
pie. doubt II will not stop with you.
But later. We will make you the war
rant for flying at higher game"
"Monseigneur has handled a sword
himself" blurted out. The very room
seemed to be growing darker. the air
colder. was never nearer fear In my
life
"Yes?" he said. smiling dslIcately.
"And SOP
win not be too hard on the fall
lngs Of a poor gentleman"
He shall suffer no more than q
rich one" he replied suayely. as he
stroked the cat. Enjoy that satisfac-
ton. NJ. de Berault. Is that all1"
''Once was OF service TO your en-
lnence." said desperately.
Payment has been made" he an
swered. more than once. But for that
should not have seen you, NJ de
Berault"
"The kings facet" cried. snatch
Ing at the straw he seemed to hold
out.
He Iaughted cynicslly, smoothly.
His thin face. his dark moustache, and
whitening hair. gave him an air OF
indescribable keenness. II am not the
king" he said. Besides. am told
you have killed as many as six men
in duels. You owe the king. there
fore. one life at least. You must pay
Il. There is no more to be said. NJ. de
Bcrault," he continued coldly, turning
away and beginning TO collect some
papers. "The law must take it's
course"
thought he was about to nod to
the lieutenant TO withdraw me. and a
chilling sweat broke out down my
back. I saw the scaftold, felt the
cords. A moment. and II would be too
latel 81 have q favor to ask" I
stammered desperately, III your emf
nence would give me a moment alone"
ITO what end? he answered, turn
ing and cycling me With cold disfavor.
II know you--your past-all. It can
do ne good. my friend"