The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1911-03-24
CHAPTER XVIII.

4 know you well enough, sir, to
teel that you will not do So You are
too Just to wish that l alone should
expiate wrongs that are not of my
making. Left to myself, should at
my present age have achieved a posi-
ton. 1t is late for me to try and make
one now: but l will do my BEST
Superb" interrupted the count;
you are really superb! One never
aeard of such a hero of romance. What
character! But tell me, what do you
expect from all this astonishing dis
hheritance?"
Nothing, SIR
The count shrugged his shoulders,
looking sarcastically at his son. and
observed
The compensation is very slight
And you expect me to believe all this?
No, sir. mankind is not in the habit
of indulging in such fine actions for
Its pleasures alone. You must have
some reason for acting so grandly;
come reason which fail to see."
None but what l have already told
vou."
Therefore it is understood you in
tend to relinguish everything; you will
even abandon your proposed union
with Mademoiselle Claire d'Arlange?
You forget that for two years 1 have
In vain constantly expressed my dis
approval of this marriage
No, sir. l have seen Mademoiselle
Claire; l have explained my unhappy
position to her. What ever happens,
she has sworn to be my wife,.
"And do you think that Madame,
GArlange will give her granddaughter
TO M. Gerdy?"
I'VE hope so, sir. The marchioness
Is sufficiently infected with aristocratic
ideas to prefer nobleman's bastard
TO the son of some honest tradesman;
but should she refuse. we would await
her death, though without desiring it,"
The calm manner in which Albert
said this enraged the count.
Can this be my SOM" he cried.
Never! What blood have you then
In your veins. sir? Your worthy
mother might tell us, provided she
herself knows"
Sir" cried Albert. menacingly,
think we'll before you speak! She
Is my mother, and that is sufficient.
am her son. not her judge. No one
shall insult her in my presence; l
will not permit it, sir; and 1 will suf-
fer 1t least of all from you.''
The count made great efforts to
keep his anger within bounds; but
Albert's behavior thoroughly enraged
him. What, his son rebelled, he dared
to brave him to his face, he threatened
him! The old fellow jumped from his
chair, and moved toward the young
man as if he would strike him.
Leave the room!" he cried. in
voice choking with rage, leave the
room instantly! Retire to your apart
ments, and take care not to leave
without my orders. Tomorrow /
will let you know my decision'
Albert walked slowly to the door.
He had already opened it, when M. de
COmmarin experienced one of those
revulsions of feeling, so frequent in
violent natures.
Albert" said he. come here and
listen to me, do not 60, until l have
told you what 1 think. You are
worthy of being heir of great house,
cir, l may be angry with you; but l
can never lose my esteem for you. You
are a noble man, Albert. Give me
your hand.''
1t was happy moment for these
two men, and such one as they had
scarcely ever experienced in their
hves strained as they had been by cold
etiquette. At last, M. de Commarin
resumed his seat.
81 must ask you to leave me, Al
bert" he said, kindly. 81 must be
alone to reflect, to try and accustom
myself to this terrible blow"
Late in the morning, Albert was
suddenly awakened, BY the noise Of
the door being hastily opened. A SER
want entered.
Sir said he, "viscount, be quick.
fly and hide, save yourself, they are
mere, IL is the
A commissary of police, wearing
his sash, appeared at the door. He was
followed by a number of men, among
whom M. Tabaret could be seen keep
ting as much out of sight as possible.
The commissary approached Albert.
'You are" he asked, Guy Louis
Marie Albert de Rhe teau de Com
marin?"
Eyes, sir"
The commissary placed his hand up
on him while pronouncing the usual
formula:
IN de Commarin- in the name OF
the law arrest YOU"
me, sir, me?'
Albert seemed hardly to comprehend
What was taking place.
Here is the warrant" added the
commissary, unfolding the paper.
Mechanically Albert glanced over it.
"Claudine assassinated! he cried.