Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-15
The table caught them full and square

The table caught them full and square. words, but Orchards head was close to that of the taller of his companions (De Gautet. guessed).
 "H'm. Private communications" thought I. Then said aloud:
 Well, gentlemen. what's the offer "'
 "A safe conduct to the frontier and f5O,000 English" ..
 ''No. no," whispered Antoinette in the lowest of whispers. "They are treach- erous.' t.
 'That seems handsome" said I, rec onnoitering through the chink. They were all close together, just outside the door now.
 1 had probed the hearts of the ruff fans, and did not need Antoinette's warning. They meant to rush" me as soon as I was engaged in talk.
 "Give me minute to consider" said I, and I thought heard laugh out side.
 turned to Antoinette.
 Stand up close to the wall out of the line of fire from the door," I whis- pered.
 What are you going to do?" she asked in fright.
 You'll see," said l.
 took up the little iron table. It was not very heavy for a ,-san of my. strength, and held it by the legs. The top, protruding in front of me, made a complete screen for my head and body. l fastened my closed lantern to my belt and put my revolver in a handy pocket. Suddenly saw the door move ever so slightly. Perhaps it was the wind; perhaps it was hand trying it outside.
 drew back as far as I could from the door, holding the table in the posi- tion that I have described. Then I called out:
 Gentlemen, I accept your offer. re- lying on your honor. If you will open the door
 "Open it yourself" said Detchard.
 Tt opens outward" said I. stand back little, gentlemen. or I shall hit you when open it."
 went and fumbled with the latch. Then I stole back to my place on tip- toe.
 T can't open it."' I cried. The latch has caught"
 Tut. I'll open it." cried Det,hard. Nonsense. Bersonin! Why not? Are you afraid of one manT'
 I smiled to myself. An instant later the door was flung back. The gleam of a lantern showed me the three close to- gether outside. their revolvers leveled. With shout I charged at my utmost pace across the summer house and through the doorway. Three shots rang out and battered into my shield. An other moment and leaped out. and ;ile table caught them full and square. and ia a tumbl!ng. swearing. struggling mass they and I and that brave table rolled down the steps of the summer house to the ground below. Antoinette de Mauban shrieked. but rose to my feet. laughing aloud.
 De Gautet and Bersonin lay like men stunned. Detchsrd was under the ta- ble. but as I rose he pushed it from him and fired again. raised my re- volver and took snap shot. heard him curse. and then ran like q hsre, laughing as I went. past the summer hause and along by the wall. I heard steps behind me. and. turning round. ] l fired again for luck. The steps ceas- !. ed. Please Cod said I. "she told me the truth about the ladder" for the wall was high and topped with iron 1 spikes. Yes. there it was. I was up and over In a minute Doubling back. I saw the horses Then I heard a shot. It was Sapt- He had heard us ard was hattling and raging with the locsei gate. hsmme-ing it and firing into the keyhoIc ike a man possessed He h>d. quite forgotten that he was not to take part in the fight. whe-est I isusted kgaia and said as I cizppe<i him on the