The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-01-11
CHAPTER xxxv,-contlnued.

6tarva. Let all these candles be
snuffed except those in tho candelab-
rum that stands at the head of the
staircase. Bring your man, jacques,
to that point and no farther. We
si,all see lin; but he will not be able
to see u.s."
Fortune was favoring us indeed.
Locke and l silently bestirred our
eslves. Now at last had come the
moment for action. But still another
grumbled; and still fortune favored
rs.
THAT is all very WELL" objected L.
natieff. And perhaps traitor may
strike a blow in the dark. for one
refuse to crafty the curiosity of Kuhn
IN this matter"
But Starva was determined to
have his way.
ITO prevent that" he answered.
each Of US will lay his weapons on
the table at the end of the hall"
There were cries of fierce dissent
6tarva silenced them with an angry
gesture.
"One moment, friends" he purred.
you do not quite understand. When
We first came into this roomI sug-
gested that lots should be drawn. and
he who was favored with the lucky
number should fire, concealed in the
gloom, that none might be sure who
had been chosen to snuh out Ferdi-
hands little soul. But since our
friend Kuhn's loyalty has been ques-
toned, 1t is he who shall have that
honor, and with Gornjrs dagger he
shall do the work. And lest an acci-
dent should happen, or lest his cour-
age should fail him, Bratinau and
will keep our revolvers. think there
d none to question our loyalty"
I Kuhn had grown frightfully pale;
he trembled. But he spoke no word.
by this arrangement" continued
6tarva, the loyalty Of Kuhn Of Mace
donna will be established. And IT," he
was glazing at Gingaja and Count
Piteschti," there are any mad enough
20 dream of disloyalty at this late
hour, and harbor treachery. they will
be powerless.
0IaTVaS IuB0 was us1llOQ win
shouts of approval GornJi. Ignatieff.
and Gortschakoff strobe 10 the table
ct the end of the hall and flung down
their weapons defiantly. Gingaja re-
luctantly followed their example.
Piteschti folded his arms defiantly,
standing motionless.
This is childs play" he muttered.
with pale lips.
Nevertheless" whispered Bratinau
IN his ear, you will obey, and quick
~. BY all the saints, Starva, think
your plan has proved a wise one.
Come, sir, we are waiting. Or are
you so ignorant of the rules Of eti-
quette that you insist in taking prece-
aence over a king?"
With q gesture Of despair Count
Piteschti walked slowly to the table
and left his revolver there.
Nov, friend Kuhn, we are waiting
Only for you!" cried Starva sharply.
II have no arms" answered the
Door wretch, with a sob.
you shall be armed presently"
cried Gornji.
Now, jacques, you may go. Out
With the candles, Gornji and t.
natieff. The rest of you remain
quietly as you value your lives. You
viii find your man defenseless.
jacques. But il he proves trouble
some, you have only to call and I
will come. You have taken care Of
Alphonse?"
II have put him to Sleep" he
ohuckled.
AZ jacques lifted the tapestry Locke
choked him into silence. Together we
carried him struggling up the hidden
staircase and burst into the anteroom
Of the tower. Not until we had flung
him breathless into the room Of the
safe, and had locked the door, did
We answer Forbes frenzied questions.
Locke gripped his arm for silence.
Quick. there Is not q moment to
lose. Have you arms?"
NO" growled Forbes. ready for &C
tion.
I'm the first room to the right Of the
corridor" painted Madame de Var.
nier. In the drawer OF the cabinet
near the door,"
.'Then come. And you two stay
here. There is mans work below. "
We stole silently down the stairs,
Locke and myself In the lead. to the
cabinet where both Locke and Forbes
chose their revolvers.
DO you, Capt Forbes. make your
way along the gallery until you come
60 the spiral. staircase at the end OF
the hail." / commanded. briefly
when 1 appear at the main stairway
with Locke, reach the hall with NO
delay. There is a table by the little
stairway; there are arms on it; let
no one approach that table until
Locke or myself have reached your
ode Now then Locke are We ready? n