Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1907-02-07

AlAAAl. 4At hlhN" tAlOu-A " TIC llilI - utS
and antagonisms with which the court
was full to understand that every pre-.
caution was necessary in carrying out
his instructions. He waited. therefore,
until night had fallen before ordering
his sOldier-servant to bring round the
two horses to one of the less public
gates Of the grounds. As he and mis-
friend walked together to the spot he
gave the young American a rapid
sketch Of the situation at the court and
of the chance that this nocturnal ride
might be an event which would affect
the future history of France.
Are you armed?" he asked. you
have no sword or pistols?"
mo; If may not carry my gun l
had rather not be troubled by tools
that I have never learned to use. |
have my knife. But why do you ask ?'
Because there may be danger. Many
have an interest in stopping this mar
riage. All the first men of the king
dom are bitterly against it. If they
could stop us, they would stop it. for
tonight at least"
"But I thought it was secret"
There Is no such thing at a court.
There is the dauphin or the kings
brother. Either of them or any Of their
friends would be right glad that we
should be in the Seine before we reach
ed the archbishop's house this night.
But who is this?"
A burly figure had doomed up through
the gloom on the path upon which they
were going. AS it approached, a col
ored lamp dangling from one of the
trees shone upon the blue and silver of
an officer of the guards. 1t was Major
de Brissac of De Catinat's own regi-
ment.
Hello! Whittier away?" be asked.
ITO Paris, major"
81 go there myself within an hour.
VIII you not wait, that we may go
together?'
Il am sorry, but ride on a matter
of urgency"
VERY good. Good night, and a pleas
ant ride"
us he a trusty man, u friend the
major?' asked Amos Green, glancing
back.
True as steel"
Then | would have q word with
him." The American hurried back
along the way they had come, while
De Catinat stood chatting at this un-
necessary delay. 1t was a full five
minutes before his companion Joined
him, and the fiery blood of the French
soldier was hot with impatience.
Il think that perhaps you had best
ride into Paris at your leisure, my
friend" said he. IF | go upon the
kings service l cannot be delayed
whenever the within takes you"
81 am sorry" answered the other
quietly. Il had something to say to
your major, and | thought that maybe
/ might not see him again."
well, here are the horses" said the
guardsman as be pushed open the
postern gate. Have you fed and wa
tered them, ~JaQues?'
Eyes, my captain" answered the
man.
Boot and saddle, then, friend Green,
and we shall not draw rein again until
we see the lights of Paris"
For a mile or more the comrades
galloped along. The road was very
dark, and 1t was hard but for the loom
upon either side to tell where it lay.
De Catinat at least found it so, and he
peered anxiously over his horses ears
and stopped his face to the name In
his efforts to see his way.
What do you make Of the road?'
he asked at last.
1T looks as IL a good many carriage
wheels had passed over it today
what! Mon Dieul Do you mean to
say that you can see carriage wheels
thereg'
Certainly. Why not?"
"Why, man, | cannot see the road at
ALL"
Amos Green laughed heartily. when
you have Travelled in the woods by
night as often as / haye,' said he,
''when to show a light may mean to
lose your hair, n comes to learn to
use ones eyes,"
"Then you had best ride on, and |
shall keep just behind you. So! Hola!
What Is the matter now?"
There had been the sudden sharp
snap of something breaking, and the
American had reeled for an instant in
the saddle.
'It's one Of my stlrrup feathers. 1t
has fallen"
"Can you find itT'
YES, but / can ride as well without
It. Let Us push on"
VERY good. ! a just see gov
now"
They had galloped for about FIVE
minutes in this fashion, De Catlnat's
horses head within a few feet Of the
others tail, when there was a second
snap, and the guardsman rolled out of
the saddle on to the ground. He kept
his grip of the relns. however, and
was up In an instant at his horses
head.
"a thousand thunders Of heaven."
he cried. "What was 1t that happened
then?'
"Your leather has gone too"
1.-TWO stirrup feathers in FIVE min
utes?"