Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1912-02-01
ODDS WITH = Story .! tn:
THE ID A1T Conspiracy by
liz ~ i Burton Egbert
Copyright BY --5 B. Ltppnoou Company Stevenson
CHAPTER x-(continued.)
J. B. Lipptncott Company

CHAPTER X-(Continued.)
DO not concern yourself. i beg of
you, Charlotte" he cried. These are
but empty vaporings, believe me. 1t
seems to me that at present l am not
IN this mans power, but ne In mine"
and With a movement swift as light
ming his sword was at the regents
breast. IF you GO much as move a
muscle, monsieur" he said. II swear
20 you upon my honor that l will
drive this sword through your heart"
The regent did not move. only his
smile grew broader. L could not but
admire the man.
DE Brancas,' cried Richelieu. bind
your scarf tightly over his mouth Do
not lift your hand, monsieur" he con-
unued warningly to the regent.
I did as he bade me, marvelling that
Orleands did not show more spirit.
Nov off with his hat and cloak"
continued Richelieu.
I obeyed, and still the regent made
no sign. I began to fear some further
trap.
What now, monsieur" asked.
I faith, I do not KNOW" said Rich
elieu. II might, indeed, don the cloak
away 80 that we could. escape, but II
We both leave, who will guard h re-
gent? We might tie him. but it must
needs be most securely"
go, go, monsieur!" I cried, Selling
his sword, but still keeping the point at
the regents breast. Put on the cloak
and hat and go. I will stay. and 1 an
swered for it he will make no outcry."
Impossible" said Richelieu. II go
and cave you, my friend?"
Yes, yes" l answered. ut is not
With me a matter Of life and death.
Besides, with my sword at his heart I
h be able 20 make my own terms"
hesitated and turned towards Mile. de
Valois.
"Ah, Charlotte" he said, dropping
on n knee before her and lifting her
hand to his lips. lit seems that / am
never to be permitted to tell you how
I love you. But what is this?' he
cried. looking up into her eyes to find
them closed. "oh, what has hap
pened?'
Mile. Dacour hastened to her.
"she has merely tainted, N. 10 Due"
d said after a moment. 1T IL roth-
ing. She will o o be herself again, I
answer for It,"
'Thank God!" exclaimed the duke,
n he covered with kisses the hand he
held in his own. II cannot go leaving
her So"
II implore you to go, monsieur!" 1
entreated. we do not know what in
structions have been given the guards
1t the door. They may break in at any
moment"
II YIELD" rnurmured Richelieu, and
he picked up the regents cloak and
wrapped 1t about him; but this is the
last time that I will run away. I shall
take horse for Bayonne," he continued.
With my regiment I shall be safe.
They would go to hell for me-"
But I looked at him gloomily. for 1
saw that even in that disguise his 1.-the,
upright figure bore little resemblance
to the shorter and stouter form of the
regent.
Il fear the guards will suspect you,
monsieur" 1 said. THE disguise is a
poor one.'
80 be it," cried the duke, flinging
the cloak and hat from him
n picking up his own. II will
go without disguise, and trust to
my sword to win me passage" He
placed his hand at his side, and re-
.membered that 1 had his sword pressed
against the regents heart. l drew my
own with my other hand, and present
ing it to The prisoners throat, handed
Richelieu his own.
May. wait a moment. M. lie Due
wards the door; there is another way
And unguarded ?" he asked paus-
Ing.
II believe SO. Come and she led the
way towards h apartment in the rear
of that in which we were.
"Adieu. de Br%ancas.' said Richelieu,
fer for this / will bring all Brittany to
your rescue and he was o
glanced at Orleans, but he made nc
sign. What new trap was he preparing
that he should sit here SO contentedly?
I strained by ears for the clash Of arms
or for any outcry which would tell of
the discovery Of the fugitive. but none
came. The moments passed.
Fl must be safe by this time.' /
murmured.
THAT being the case, let us put an
end to this farce said the regent,
speaking quite distinctly through the
scarf which encircled his head, and
putting up his hand. he tore the scarf
away. My sword quivered in my hand.
yet 1 had never killed a man but in
fair fight and my heart failed me now.
Come. NJ. de Brancas," he continued,
calmly. reading my thought in my face,
put down your sword. Did you think
that / should have sat quiet here so
o%bligingly had I desired to detain the
for more spirit, monsieur"
Then there was a trap?" / SIAM
mered, though not surprised at this
confirmation of my suspicious.
We'll, not precisely" n the regent
smiled. But here is Mile. Decour, who
may have some news for you"
She entered as he spoke and cast an
lowered sword and the regents smiling
face.
.The duke is safe. is he not!" I cried,
alarmed in my turn.
II belive So" she answered. IT let
him out by the little door into the Rue