The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-11-02


horse, the party swept gaily from
sands to shore.
"A gallant company. Monsieur 10
Commandant!" observed the Marquis
to the officer In charge, as they
reached the green line at the yellow
basins edge. "Now II we were to
meet an enemy"
He would find US prepared, my
Lord!" the officer declared.
"True!" And the nobleman COM
placently touched the jeweled hilt Of
his owp blade, accompanying the ac-
tion with q tender glance at the Lady
Elise.
She. however, q little ahead. ap-
peared not to hear; spoke suddenly to
her horse, and. as they swung from
the sward, started at q brisk gallop
down the road. Laughing. the others
came after. lords and ladies first; be-
hind. with tumult and clatter, tho com.
mandant and his men. As they ad-
vanced, on either side the way thick
trunks OF moss-grown monarchs up-
lifted their gnarled and hoary branch.
es, to meet overhead; through leafy
interstioes bright flashes Of sunlight
shot downward. danced on fine gar
menta and accoutrsments. and then
whisked elfshly away. In dim recesses
inches and sparrows sang; beyond,
murmured streams and rivulets, while
at the feet Of the riders. gay restless
flowers nodded. as II in accompani.
In th<n uv~ en -
Small wonder his Excellency should
have desired to add this fair principal.
tty to his own!" muttered the MARQUIS,
looking around. "Of the seven forests
OF Brittany, none will compare with
this. the Desaurac woods. What think
you. Elise" spurring his horse near
his betrothed's. "Are you not taken
by its beauties?"
She looked at him with a start;
since leaving the sands she had not
spoken. and now. tugging at the reins,
only said abruptly: MY saddle! I
believe 1t is loose"
"Loose!" repeated the nobleman.
Careless lackeys! Let US see!" And
graeping the bride Of her horse, pulled
In his own. and drew both animals to
standstili at the side Of the road.
AS he diamounted to examine straps
and fastenings. tho others dashed up;
my lady lightly motioned them on.
"We'u soon overtake youi Don't
wait!" UnQuestioning. they obeyed:
though the commandant, to whom a
Few moments later she delivered a
similar Injunction. brought his men to
q halt and proffered his services.
Whereupon the Marquis repeated the
girls words more sharply; reddening.
the omcer wheeled and started to ride
on
II can't find anything wrong here!"
Puzzled. the Marquis Strengthened.
But her eyes were directed ahead
and che pointed with her whip to q
break In the woody barrier TO the right
"A path that, sprnging from the
roadside. seemed to plunge into the
very heart Of the labyrinth.
~Looki the short cut!-that would
bring US half an hour before them to
the ruinsl Lot US take i'll"
A light seemed suddenly to break on
her companion. and he sprang airily to
his saddle. "As my Lady willsl" gal
lantly.
Then call to the commandant, and
tell him wen meet them there!"
The Marquis obeyed, and. without
awaiting answer. or demur from the
of1cer In charge Of the guard, the girl
hicked her horse and sent him over
q low bush into the narrow way.
Fairly In the path, she rode fast,
and pressing hard behind. my lord
soon found reason for doubt as to
the advisability Of that route, and q
suspicion Of regret at his own assent
to the departure from the main thor
oughfare. As their surroundings grew
wilder and the slender green figure
lifted more and more recklessly be-
fore him. he even ventured to voice
his misgtvings-advise greater care.
A shake Of the fair head was all he
received for answer and, regardless
OF the increasing roughness OF the
way. she continued to sweep on, now
uphill. then down. avoiding by q quick
turn ono obstacle here. leaping anoth-
er there! From a black ambush, a
branch like the arm Of Titan reached
out to seize. but adroitly she swayed
from Its grasp and only the twigs and
leaves touched lightly Tho bent 1igure.
My lord. however. they struck sharp
ly. and at the sudden smart and a
quick realization Of falling behind,
frowningly he drove his horse harder.
The tetea.tete he had naturally ex-
pccted from her request to pursue the
lonelier way promised now not to mate.
rialize: the idea that she was fleeing,
he pursuing. possessed him. The for
est. a tangle Of shrubs and strange
Creepers, was tho scene Of the idYl: