Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1912-01-18

me. and the second morning went
much as the first had done. only more
wearisomely. passed the hours in a
kind of frenzy. One thought ran
ceaselessly through my es-
cape-to escape-but how 1 could
find no answer. About the middle of
the afternoon l was startled by the
sound OF the bolts of my door being
thrown, and turned from my window
as a sentry entered.
You are to follow me-" he said.
Gladly" replied. Nothing can be
worse than this place" and l descended
the staircase after him. We emerged
into the we'll court. then into the outer
court. and crossed the bridge into the
court beyond, my guard saying never
a word. but directing his steps towards
the governors Office. A a sur
rounded by a squad of mounted guards
stood before 1t. Maison-Rouge him
self met us at the door.
m. de Brancas." he said. the regent
has sent for you. Enter the coach. and
these gentlemen will conduct you to
him"
The devil!" 1 thought. 1.-THE regent!
What a he want?" But without per-
hitting any of my discomposure to APP
We were soon outside the walls. and l
looked about for an opportunity to es-
cape. but saw none. The guards were
too many; besides, they were on
horseback, while / should be on DOT.
Right across the city we drove. and
ing to INC fro and rejecting
bitterly that they were free and could
go where they listed. But 1 a little
lime for meditation, for we We're soon
at the Palais Royal. and two of the
guards dismounting, asked me to de-
scend from the carriage. They placed
themselves on either side of me, and we
mounted the staircase. Some 10 min
utes we waited in a small a~nte-cham-
Der to which no one else was admitted,
and Their we We're shown into the pres
ence of the regent.
coolly: and added to the guards, "You
may go. 1 fancy I shall not need you
again" Then he turned to me. Now,
NJ. de Brancas, 1 intend to have a can
did talk with you. But first. tell me,
why are you my enemy?"
But 1 am not your enemy, mon
sieur." 1 protested.
Then why do you associate with my
enemies? 2" he asked.
Because they are my friends, mon
sieur."
"Ah! But my police tell me that you
have been in Paris but 10 days. You
seem to make friends quickly"
Monsieur" I answered, II admit
that 10 days is not q long time. but in
SAAAS SAAAAS Va VIC NaS VIC 1AhS
twice saved my life. 1t will take me
much longer than 10 days to repay that
Indebtedness"
Orleans looked at me a moment, and
I fancied there vas kindness in his
eye. l admit the mar pleased me. for
affable n kindly manner. I reflected
that In his youth this man had been
of high courage and ambition, and that
II he had become a profligate. 1t was
largely the fault of the king, who had
always hated him. n of the Able
Dubois. who had been his p%receptor.
Doubtless something Of my thought ap-
peared In my face, for the regent
smiled somewhat sadly.
you nave heard horrible stories
about me. have o not. NJ. de Bran
cas?" he asked. "It was 1, they say.
Duchess Of Burgundy. who am an as
trologer, an alchemist, and an intimate
friend of the devil"
"Oh. monsieur" I stammered, but
I have never believed such calumnies."
NO" said the regent, II do not
think that any n who knew me real
lly believes them. Only my enemies use
them against me in order to pull me
down. But the kingdom will endure. no
matter who ssaults it. Do you believe
in fate?" he asked, abruptly.
Undoubtedly, monsieur" I answered.
and I looked at him with astonished
eyes.
He smiled a. he glanced at me.
"You may understand. then" he said,
why I do not fear. For I believe that
1t Is q which has committed to my
hands the destinies Of this kingdom.
And I intend to deserve the trust-I
intend to make It a kingdom better
worth living In"
He fell silent for a moment, playing
with Q paper which lay before him on
the table. That he really meant what
he said-that he had in his heart many
plans for the good Of the people, do
not doubt. All. that he had been strong.
er and turned a deaf ear to those who
led him from his purpose!
A tap on the door aroused him, and
at his command an usher entered.
"A deputation from the King or Sar-
dina to see your higness," replied the
man.
The regents face frightened and he
Strengthened UP In his chair. Evident
~. the delegation was welcome.
All: about the marriage" and I bit
my. lips to repress the exclamation
which would have burst from me.
"How manv are In the deputation?"
...Ehree. monsieur"
Then I will receive them here" The
usher bowed and withdrew. "Nay. stav
n. De Bracas." he added to me, seeing
that I made Q movement to leave the
room. This Is not q state secret. but
merely q family AFFAIR. Ind n which
am quite willing for all the world 10
know. Beeides. there may be some-
} thing which I wish you especially 10
hear" -
I felt my face crimson under his
glence. whose hidden meaning I could
Il NM AANNAH. ANvA -eEE.0