The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-28


rags from his back.
But. senior. what does this mean?"
1t Is simple enough, my friend.
When the soldiers come / shall take
your place."
They will arrest you, senor!"
Exactly. As their prisoner shall
be carried safely through the area of
death. You will remain here; when
have gone make your peace with the
Dantzicers when they come for me.
Do not say you have seen me. Tell
them you have been pursued by the
Emperor's soldiers. They will help
you to safety when they hear that"
Before the last words had escaped
Don Jose's lips the soldiers had
reached the chateau. One Of the
horses could be heard whinnying be-
low the window. and the next moment
thunderous knocks shook the outer
doors.
Farewell" said Don Jose. as he
slipped from the darkened room.
He crept silently down the stairs
and flung open the door with such
suddenness that couple of troopers
nearly fell into his arms. He was
seized in a moment by dozen hands
and dragged before the officer in
charge of the cavalcade. He cursed
his captors roundly. but offered no
other resistance.
Who are you, fellow?" cried the
officer; from your clothes should
know you WE'LL"
ut is possible, captain" said Don
Jose, in hoarse voice; my name
is Giorgio. and I see no reason to
disguise it,
SO we meet at last, my brave fell
low" said the officer, with a mock
bow. We'll, on my side the meeting
is very happy one."
Without another word two of the
troopers at nod from their leader
swung Don Jose on to the nearest
horse. His arms were tightly bound
and he rode from the chateau in the
centre of the party.
AT about five miles from the cha
teau they were met by a further re-
lay OF troopers with large rumbling
coach Of the most antique pattern.
Don Jose now wished to enter into
explanations with the officer, but be-
fore he had the opportunity he was
dragged from his horse and bundled
on to the floor of the coach, with
brigadier and two troopers.
Don Jose was astounded at so
much attention being paid to COM
mon thief. 1t was certainly most un-
usual, and for the moment his leart
misgave him.
Where do we halt, friend?" he
asked the brigadier.
Paris"
Don Jose almost leapt out of his
bonds.
paris! Do you know where we
are now"
Perfectly"
1--WE are in Dantzic."
Exactly"
and you say we are going to
Parish"
with all possible speed.''
Don Jose bowed his head and
groaned. OF all experiences this was
the most extraordinary that he had
ever suffered. Had the world turned
mad that a common thief was escort
ed in a coach and four to Paris? He
asked many questions, but the briga-
der, who was disposed for sleep,
babe him hold his tongue, and re-
lapsed into silence.
Don Jose did not reach Paris. The
cavalcade was held up by Marshal
De Main and some staff officers near
ly ten miles from Napoleon's capital.
The Marshal held some conversation
with the officer in charge of the party,
and then, alighting from his horse,
peered eagerly into the carriage at
the prisoner.
Marshal De Main, you know me,
you know me; explain to these fell
lows who am" cried Don Jose fran
tically; they will not listen to me-"
The Marshal seemed to be in the
throes of commissions. He staggered
back from the coach window and
clutched at the air with outstretched
hands. When he had sufficiently re-
covered he laughed, and when he
ceased laughing he became very an
CRY.
What foolery have we here?" he
cried hoarseIy to the bewildered Off
GERS in charge of Don Jose. 1.-THE
Emperor will not thank you for TAX
ing this man from Dantzic. Release
Don Jose at once"
General, this man has confessed
himself to be Giorgio."
The Marshal for reply turned his
back upon the captain.
Don Jose stepped out from the
coach and related the full history
Of the adventure.
Since when has it been the Gus
tom to convey common thieves from
Dantzic to Parish" he asked In con-
clusion, with an ironical smile.
Marshal De Main smiled also.
"Your friend Giorgio is so COM
mon thief that the Emperor has
few more dangerous enemies In Eu-