Middletown transcript., 1912-09-21

those outside listened; some one ex-
claimed, and hurried footsteps retreat
ed toward the guard-house.
AS they died away, in the wheel
room the car came up for the second
time empty, and inquiringly the men
there looked from one to the other;
but, even in that moment Of danger,
not one of them moved, or made sign
Of impatience. Some must go; 9TH
ers remain, and stoically they awaited
the word Of their leader.
Down with all Of you! I'll let you
out the line" taking turn with the
rope around a stanchion near the
wall, "and then come down myself"
The command was unexpected; for
the first time those that had never
questioned their leaders authority,
hesitated, and more sharply was the
order repeated; whereupon they
obeyed; all save one.
'T1l let it out myself" said San
chez.
"Get inI"
mol" was the obdurate reply, when
the Black Seigneur made a sign;
hands reached up, seized Sanchez, and
a moment later the car started down.
The line strained; as it played out,
now running free about the stanchion,
then stopping with jerks, the man ia
the wheel-house almost looked to see
it part. The hempen strand, however,
proved sound; held its human freight
but another danger pressed near.
Scarcely had the car begun its down
ward journey than an attack, indica-
tions of whose approach had not been
wanting, manifested itself without Be
meath a sudden, savage assault, the
door shook; yet engrossed at the line.
every muscle strained, the man at the
stanchion needed not. Swiftly, me
chanically he worked, apparently as
unconscious of the clamorous soldiers
without as Of a silent presence within
some one that had been concealed in
the little store-room adjoining, open
ing into the wheel-house, and now
peered out; but at once drew back, as,
with a crash, the door fell in.
At first, in the comparative dark
ness, with only the sky at the aperture
staring them in the face, the in-rush-
ing black figures paused, uncertain;
lights soon were pushed forward, how
ever, and then could they see the great
wheel going round, unwinding the
rope; the man at the stanchion.
THE prisoners! He's letting them
down"
"Cut the line!"
Some one with q knife rushed for
ward, severed the strand; but at that
moment the car touched the bottom.
Then did the solitary man at the rope
for the first time awaken to his own
situation; with a backward sweep Of
the arm he struck so f1ercely the fore
most of those to rush at him that the
fellog fell, hitting hard the stone floor.
Those nearest stumbled, and drawing
his sword, with a thrust Of point or
blow of hilt, the Black Seigneur, for q
moment withstood the first confused
on-coming; then extricated himself
and leaped to the narrow space behind
the wheel. Here was he protected be-
hind by the wall; at one end, by the
masonry jutting out, while, at the 9th.
er, only one or two could attack at the
same time. But in front, through the
spokes Of the broad wheel, they might
well hope to reach him.
At once the soldiers sprang for.
ward, when, seizing the wheel, the
man behind, with savage jerk, set it
in motion. The swords thrust at him
were turned aside, one or two of his
assailants were caught in the ponder.
GUS mechanism, and, before those at
tacking him had recovered from their
surprise, the blade of the Black Seig-
neur shot in and out; to the right, to
the left. Those ahead fell back upon
their comrades; two, however, were
unable to withdraw, and sank to the
ground before the wheel. A third.
with his hand to his throat and max
ing strange sounds, staggered back to
the wall.
Momentarily disconnected, the 9TH
ers hesitated. I'm the fiend's name,
fear ye one MANI" shouted an authori.
tative voice.
"A devil!"
"Tis the Black seigneurl I had a
good sight Of him."
Beat! beat!
Mid marsh-muck and rnire-"
came in mocking tones from behind
the wheel.
The mountebank!"
Sacre tonnerrei But mountebank
or outlaw, you shall pay! This wayi"
And at the unprotected side of the
Wheel the commandant sought to
bring the issue to a conclusion. One
blade the Black Seigneur struck down.
While his own weapon retorted with
more effect, though as it did so. an
other soldier made a lunge, and his
sword entered the shoulder Of the man
Dehlnd the wheel. A shout Of triumph
tnat fell from the lips Of the Gov
ernors trooper was, however, abrupt-
~ checked; lurching forward with the
stroKe, ere he could recover, some
Inlng heavy-a brass hilt-beat like a
manner on his head and he dropped
10 his knees. The others pressed
closer; but with the desperation of a
man resolved to sell his life dearly.
the Black Seigneur fought on; regard
less OF cut and thrust, was holding tbs
narrow entrance, when from the rear
somewhere, came the report Of a fire.
arm.
Back! Stand back!"
Those nearest the wheel. not I'M.
willing, perhaps, to desist, drew away:i
other de onations followed and smoie!
filed the place, obscuring the gaze,
In the yellow fog they waited: until
first it was swept aside close to the
opposite wall by draft of air from
the aperture Of the adjoining store.
room, and the commandant. in an ee.
fort to see, moved impatiently for
ward. Ere, however, he could reach
the wheel, near the threshold Of the
store-room, he felt his arm suddenly
seized.
Look, listen!"
The warning crY-a sfrl'a ,y,so.