The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-05-15

for the release from the Bastille of a
certain scribbler, one Seldom, who mad
been held there because of some libelous
verses he had written. The order was
procured and Aramis arranged that 1t
should be delivered to the governor of
the Bastie that evening At the hour
when he knew the order would arrive
Aramis was sitting at wine after dinner
with NJ. de Baisemeaux, whom he had
assiduously piled with drink until the gov
ernor's brain had grown cloudy. The
servant, having delivered the order with
drew The governor opened the paper
and read it. What is it?" asked Aramis.
"Oh, an order of release. 1t is for that
miserable five-franc rat, Seldom. A pref
ty thing to disturb me with when l am
| enjoying myself. Tomorrow morning
will do for him." Let me see it" said
Aramis. The governor handed over the
paper. But urgent is written on the
paper" said the Bishop. I'VE are at
dinner and our affairs are urgent, too.
| But my dear governor, why not set the
man at liberty at once? Urgent is writ
ten on both the outside and the inside OF
the warrant You have been soldier
M de Baisemeaux, and once soldier al
ways a soldier The order is given; 1t is
for YOU to obey" well, WE'LL said the
governor, and turned to ring the bell for
his servant.
The order lay on the table and, as De
Baisemeaux turned, ARMS quickly
grabbed it up and replaced it by another
paper Of similar form. Francois, said
| the governor when the servant came IN
| go tell the major to open the cell OF. M
Seldom. No. 8. In the Bertaudier Tower.
"Seldon!' exclaimed Aramis in most
natural tone of surprise. But the order
of release is for the prisoner Marcaiali.
The governor picked up the paper on the
table. 1t was as Aramis had stated-tne
order was for Marchiai. "Rut am sure
it read Seldom" said the amazed COVER
nor. II even remember blot of ink just
below the name" "You can see," replied
Aramis coolly. But this Marchiali is the
same to whom you camel mean to whom
a confessor of the order came the other
day. said the governor HE is the same
concerning whom receive constant warn
ing that he see no one and be kept Sc.
cure There is the ORDER" replied Ara
mis-, fixing his eye upon the governor with
a threatening look. You have that tc
justify yourself. / have carriage In
waiting and will conduct the released pris-
oner to whatever part Of the city he may
desire" The confused governor gave the
necessary orders and in few minutes
Marchiali. as Philippe of France, was be-
ing whirled away in the coach of the
bishop of Vannes
At vaux. the magnificent country estate
of M. Fouquet, the superintendent OF
finances was entertaining with 1avishness
and splendor the King Of France. But ir
spite Of everything which had been done
to please and dazzle the young monarch
the royal brow was clouded and the whole
court noticed the frigid manner in which
the royal guest treated his host. Colbert
had given to his majesty the letters pur'
chased from the Duchess de Chevereuse
and also had strengthened the case against
that minister by causing to have come to
the Kings hand letter written by Fou.
quet to Louise de la Vallere-written long
before she had caught the fancy of the
King. it is true. but couched in such Ian.
| guage as left no doubt that Fouquet had
been one of her suitors. The angry King
had retired to the sleeping chamber as.
signed him-a great, valuted apartment
named the chamber of Morpheus and dec
GRATED with mural painting Of the God
of Sleep. The King sent for M. OAR
tagnan. who was in attendance as COM
mander of the musketeers, Captain d Ar
tagnan' said the King, you will arrest
M. Fouquet at once ''What!' exclaimed
d'Artagnan. ARREST your host, arrest him
in his own house7 oh. bethink you, SIR