Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1910-08-19

from canQle 10 canQle WlLH lnCTcuiDl'
rapidity. 1 had intended sending {
servant 10 assist him. but both vesti'
bule and corridor were absolutely
empty.
/ gained the hall above and agair
looked about for a servant, but there
was none In sight. There was M
time for hesitation. Beneath the thirt
door to the left / perceived a ray o.
light. / strobe to II and knocked
sharply.
who is thereT' cried a voice which
thrilled me
TT is 1, Tavernay, mademoiselle,"
answered, trying to speak calmly
Dress yourself at ONCE
IT am already dressed" she said, and
threw open the door. What is wrong
monsieurP"
1.-THE house is being surrounded by
the Blues" I said rapidly. But, made
moiseile, you must put on some heavier
gown than that and stouter shoes. We
may have to fee-to hide In the woods
and the night IS cold"
Very well. monsieur" she answered
and my heart thrilled again at the
calmness OF her tone. Il shall be
ready in a moment"
when you have finished" I said,
blow out your light as though you
were retiring. Then wait for me here
at your door with your maid
My maid has disappeared" she In
terrupted.
"Disappeared?"
"At least, I cannot find her. No one
will answer the bell"
$50 much the better" I assured her,
though my heart was heavy with fore
boding. "The smaller the party, the
greater our chance OF escape. Which
is M. lie Comics apartment"
AT the end of the corridor"
It shall return at once" l said, seized
her hand. kissed it, and passed on.
M. lie Comte opened his door in
stantly In answer to my knock, and at
the first glimpse of my face, stepped
u into the corridor and closed the
door behind him.
What is 1t, Tavernay?" he asked.
What has happened?"
"The Blues have arrived" / an
swered rapidly; "they are posting SEN
tinels about the house. recognized
who tried to trap you this morning.
This time he Is making certain that
you shall not escape"
Nor is that ALL" said a low voice
behind me.
1 turned quickly. 1t was Pasdeloup.
"Pasdeloupl" cried his master,
What do you here?"
~ come to warn NJ. lie Comte.
"Of what?"
.s1shs NAH of DANCE are on their
way to sack the chateau"
NONSENSE"
1T is to be turned over TO them as
soon as M. lie Comte and the women
r taken prisoners" continued Pas
deloup, without noticing the interrupt
ton. Nor is that all. They are to be
permitted to seize M. ie Comte and to
use him as the mob OF Paris has al
ready used SO many"
Nonsense. PasdeloupiS sspS-sS ~
master, but his face had paled a little.
where did you near such a~bsurdtties?'
For answer, Pasdeloup pointed along
the empty corridor.
Where are your people, M. lie
Comte?" he asked. None here-none
below-search the whole house and you
will find not one. An hour ago they
stole away along the road to DANCE.
I alone could not be bribed or fright
ened into Joining them"
His master stared at him for a mo-
ment, then down the empty corridor,
his face of a sudden r and haggard.
"All?" he repeated hoarsely. All?
Even Joseph7 Even Marcelle?'
Yes, monsieur" said Pasdeloup,
laughing grimly. Even Joseph. Even
Marcelle. / do not say that they wished
to 90. I only know hat they were
afraid to stay. Where 1t is a question
of ones life or another's. one saves
oneself. That is human nature"
M. lie Comte stood yet a m with
bent head, as though struck by a heavy
blow.
And your" he asked, at last, looking
at Pasdeloup.
Again Pasdeloup laughed grimly.
1T is my nature, too" he said. only
/ am not so easily frightened. Permit
mo to remind you, NJ. lie Comte," ht
added. q trace of impotence In his
voice, that there Is no time to lose"
His master pulled himself togethe,
by a mighty effort.
You are right" he said, I'VE must
get agay
There is O break in the line Of sen.
tries" / suggested. Perhaps we car
get through" but my heart fell as
thought how nearly impossible 1t was
AT least we will try. Do you ger
Charlotte. monsieur. ! will bring mad.
ame."
I sped along the corridor. pausins
only an instant at my room to snatch
UP my sword and pistols and ammuni
ton pouch. Mdlle. do Chambray wa
awaiting me, wrapped to the chin II
a dark cloak. more beautiful thar ever
II am ready, monsieur" she said, he
eyes shining like twin stars.
There is yet O chance" said
Come" and I took her hand. al Low,
you,!" I whispered as we sped dow
the corridor together. whatever hap
pens to me tonight, remember-I lov,
you'll"
She answered with a pressure of tn
fingers N a little tremulous smile.
shall remember she said softly
Els our case, then. so very desperate ?
1T could not well be more so,'
answered grimly.
My friend" she whispered, stiu NOR
softly, tell me that you forgive me
From the garden came the shrill or
OF an owl thrice repeated.
TOO late!" / groaned. TOO late"
We were at M. lie Comics door,. Pas
deloup was leaning against the wall. hi
arms folded, his face very grim. M
companion shrank back with a littl
gasp OF dismay at sight Of him.
He is a friend" ! said. Where
M. 10 Comte?"
AS though In answer to the question
the door opened n NJ. le Comte ar
peared On the threshold. his wife !
his side.
I'VE are too latei" I cried. TT
signal has been giyen-the sentries a.
closing In "A moment more
A great crash echoed through II
house. q sound OF hraak inr elaesA
clamor Of muskets beating against do
4 and shutter.