Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-10
CHAPTER II.
Monsieur De Froilette.

At a turn of the road which had been de-
serted for some two hours past, man sud
denly refined in his horse to a walking pace
He had ridden far, for his dress was dusty,
and the animal showed signs of fatigue.
The evening was stormy looking, and there
was a bite in the wind blowing from the
higher lands to the plain.
The road ran with many a twist and turn,
between dense woods one side, and rug
ged waste ground. with tangled patches of
underground. on the other. Here and there
clearing had been made in the woods. and
"A rough dwelling erected, but they were
apparently deserted. there were no signs or
life about them this evening. The man rode
easily. yet with constant watchfulness. The
times were unsettled and dangerous, and the
slightest unfamiliar sound instantly at
tracted his attention. He was accustomed
to be on the alert, and whatever thoughts
held sway behind his gloomy looks, they
were not sufficiently absorbing to render
him cal eleSS for moment.
Suddenly he pulled his horse to a stand
still. turning sharply in his saddle to look
back upon the way he had come. Then he
examined his holster and, moving his horse
to position which gave him better COM
mand of the road. sat quietly waiting.
The sound which had attracted his atten-
ton grew rapidly nearer. and presently
three riders came round the bend at a gal
lop. one some PAGES in advance of his COM
panions. He pulled up short seeing the
motiOnless horseman by the roadside. scent
ing danger and ready for it; but the next
moment he raised his hat with pronounced
courtesy. and bowed low In his saddle.
Pardon. monsieur" he said. but one
sees a possible enemy in so unexpected an
encounter.
Unexpected. monsieur?
II said so. May l add fortunate. too|
such enemies as you suggest seldom
stand singly," was the rather ungracious
answer.
And in these times wise men seldom ride
alone. monsieur came the quick retort. 81
travel with an escort myself. you see, Cap
tain Ellerey. / do not make a mistake,
think; you are Captain EIlerney of his maj
esty's regiment of Chasseurs?"
THAT is my name.
And you returning to Sturatzberg
Good, We can proceed together. and with
out waiting for assent to this arrange
ment he ordered his servants to go forward
and watched them until they had disap
peared. Now. monsieur, may go for
ward at our leisure.
II have not the honor Of"
my name. All. il is of small conse
quence Jules de Froilette, at your service
1t is unknown to you?"
II think So but your face seems familiar,
said Ellerey." as they went on together.
''Ah. yes. / go to court sometimes"
And / but seldom, monsieur"
"Then you may have seen me in tn
streets of Sturatzberg. / know the cit
we'll and have nothing to hide. have In
terests in this country, let us say, in tim
Der; IL Is the answer L give When L al
questioned. for no one respects lazy mar
voluntary exile from my country, hav
no quarrel with France. nor she with ms
In these days men are become cosmopolitan
Is It not SOP
ut looks like it in Sturatzberg," Ellere
replied.
Monsieur Is also an exile, and has n
quarrel with his motherland?
AT least / do not speak of it, Monsieu
De Froilette"
Pardon me. 1 am not inquisitive. Yo
crave for excitement. so come to Sturat,
berg The promise of adventure will eve
attract men of spirit and"
And the failures at home" suggeste
Eiierey
II was going to say men Of courage" d
Froilette answered. bat the failures com,
too. and succeed-sometimes."
You are as doubtful OF the reward as
am." said Eilerey. laughing.
De Froiette did not join in his merrinen
"A Captain Of Horse Ia not to be de