The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1910-07-15
CHAPTER XVII,

CHAPTER XVII,
| 1t was most extraordinary posi-
ton in which they found themselves
/ now. and as the full light of day
streamed in and they looked round
at each other, that fact began tn
strike them forcIbIy. f1--ac-Io 1,1e
strong excitement of the chase had
kept them up without thought be-
yond the moment; now the reaction
had set in.
r Monsieur Tasset was the first to
speak, and his voice betrayed his I'M
easiness. He laid his hand on Ar
thurs arm. Monsieur" he said,
my heart misgives me. Are we not
all acting foolishly? Is not the ac-
ton of that unfortunate child the re-
suit of a brain turned mad from the
| shock she has undergone? Do you
see where we are going? We are
travelling toward the south, not to-
ward Paris. If, as we fancied, she
seeks her cousin. why do we travel
south?''
! The cure shook his head. "It was
, thus with Jacques Aymar." he said;
! land we have gone too far to draw
back now. We must follow to the
end" 1
Arthur, at the Mayors terrible sug-
gestion, had turned as pale as death,
but he shook Off the fear. Patience"
he said, hoarsely. I'VE shall know
at last; but can any reason stand
such strain as this? That thought
terrifies me-"
Antoinette had no sooner entered
the train that she leant back and
relapsed into that sort of stupor that
was neither swoon nor sleep; but the
fixed, strained look upon her face,
had not relaxed, though Arthur,
shuddering, thanked Heaven that her
wild eyes were closed.
They had been up all night, and
still bore traces of the rough nature
of their wanderings. Monsieur Tas-
set and the cure began to make some
bind of toilette. brushing the dust,
hnd green from the barks of trees, off
their clothing, and passing their
bands through their hair. The hor-
rors of the night were over, the sense
of order and conventionality resumed
its sway.
Gradually fatigue absorbed all 9TH
er thoughts. The two men sat back
each in his corner and gave them
selves up to sleep.
Arthur never closed his eyes. He
sat by Antoinette. He held one of her
cold passive hands in both his own,
and watched her with all his soul in
his loving eyes.
Many hours passed. The train was
the fast express, and never stopped
ON the way, till at last all were
aroused by sudden rush of cold air
through the carriage, the door was
thrown open, and loud. imperative
voice. shouted ''vos billets, Mes
sieurs!"
Tasset at once took the initiative.
He explained to the staring guard
that the reason of their travelling
without tickets was accidental; that
they had in charge that most unfor-
tunate lady, and he pointed to An
toinette. The man seemed to under
stand. he touched his brow signif-
cantly. The Mayor produced his
purse and paid for all. He had
scarcely done so, ana the little Knot
of officials who had gathered round
the door were still talking over the
transaction, when Antoinette rose
suddenly to her feet, the magnetic
force upon her once again, and she
descended from the train. They fell
back on each side to see her, pass.
Arthur could feel rather than hear
the Multiplying, half-curious COM
ments of those standing by. on the
beautiful mad girl.
She glided by. They were in a
great and populous city, passing
through crowded, brilliant streets
it was Bordeaux
Arthur had folded the shawl all
round her, but now 1t fell from her
all unheeded. Her face had grown
even terribly thin and haggard; the
eyes were stretched wide, and had in
them now something of dumb agony.
On she passed SO swiftly that in
the busy whirl of city life she es-
capped the notice of the rabble.
Arthur walked beside her and
when bystanders threw too curious
glances, Tasset mutely touched his
forehead and put his finger to his
lips, giving an impression of danger,
GUS insanity that served his purpose
well, and made people hurry away