The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1912-03-28
CHAPTER XIX-(Continued.)

II can well believe it," and d'Ancenis
smiled. Il vas deputed to arrest him,
and l found him very harmlessly en-
gagged In looking over his collection OF
snuff boxes at Sceaux. He was as
founded when I gave him an intimation
of what the duchess had been doing,
and was very indignant that she had
caused him to be sent to prison. He
was taken to the Chateau du Dourleans
stopping at every shrine along the road
to pray, for he was firmly convinced
that the regent was going to have him
killed. The regent has little cause to
love him, and will doubtless try to
make a case against him."
But he cannot succeed" I said, con-
idently. There will a hundred per-
sons ready to testify In the dukes be
half"
THAT is all the news" concluded
d'Ancenis. Paris has been talking Of
1t for a week and the topic is not yet
exhausted. Shall i tell you. my friend,
Of what they talk most? 1t Is of your
ride, and there are so pretty women
ready to worship you. There has been
one in particular who has made it q
point to inquire of me every day how
o are getting on"
"And who is she?" ! asked, with
leaping heart.
D'Ancenis looked down at me quiz
zlcally.
otis more serious than I had
thought" he said, laughing. There
will be many to envy you your good
fortune, de Brancas."
But her name?" I asked again.
What, man. cried my tormentor,
gayly, would you have me be indis-
creet?" No, no. You must find out the
name for yourself. Ask the lady Of
whom you are thinking and see what
she says"
l caught AT his hand. but he cluded
he, and laughed merriiy as he looked
back from the door.
Get well quickly, my friend" he
said. TO not keep her waiting" and
he was gone.
But / did not for q m question
the reply my heart had given me, and
when Lcv2u looked in on NE again n
short time later, he found me looking so
contentId t:at he laughed with pleas
uro.
In faith, monsieur" he cried, IT be-
gin to believe that Captain d'Ancenis Is
q better physician than I. What magic
did he USE"
l merely smiled.
when can I get out OF this?" I
asked.
ooh. we VIII see about that" he an
swered, his professional air back upon
him in an instant. Three or four. days
will tell the story"
"Three,or Eour days? NONSENSE" I
exclaimed. WHY, | an strong enough
to get out OF bed this moment and /
started as If to rise.
Patience, patience. monsieur" and
Levau held me back. Suppose I say
tomorrow, provided that you pass Il
good night and are as much stronger
Agreed. And now cannot l have
something to eat? l am marverously
hungry"
GAS much as you like" cried
Levau, heartily, and he hurried
away to send my supper to me,
! did it ample justice and en-
joyed 1t greatly, then lay for a long
had told me-, but more particularly of
Louise, and finally dropped asleep.
l felt like a new man the next
morning. Save for a little soreness at
the back Of my head and in my
shoulder, and a slight weakness in my
well as ever. My clothing was
brought me. and l walked around the
room leaning on Lcvau's arm. He
seemed interchangeable in his attentions,
and after 10 minutes Of this exercise
he pronounced himself satIfied with
my condition. Breakfast never tasted
better han did that one, which Levau
@sO 'sNA A'fNt SAAA sS 5oohi oo Il asN
swallowed 1t l was anxious to depart,
for Richelieu's danger weighed heavily
upo me, and l knew lot how soon
the regent might take action. Car
touches flight from Paris nae cut off
all hope of a rescue at the last mo-
ment, even had the ~scoundrel been in
clined to aid me, which was now eX-
ceeding doubtful, and whatever was
to be done must be Gone by me alone.
After a little demur Levau consent
ed to my departure, provided | would
a k his carriage and not attempt to
walk. 1 agreed, of course, and was
surprised when he prepared to accom-
pany me.
rs it hat I am under arrest?" |
asked, an explanation for his extreme
attentiveness coming to me suddenly.
Not at all, monsieur" he answered,
readily. 1T is only that l have sworn
you shall recover and that my reputa-
ton is at stake. / am not going to
take any chance of failure"
Il hope that some day I shall he
able to repay you for your kindness,
monsieur" / said, moved by the evil
dent sincerity of the man. AT pres
ent l am not able to do so, nor to
more han thank the nurse to whom
you say l owe my life"
Think no more of it, M. de Brancas,
I pray you" he protested, with his
familiar gesture. Let there be no talk
Of payment. Indeed, l have already
been more than paid by the persons
who have taken an interest in your
case.
And who were they. MONSIEUR" /
asked, with some surprise.
But he merely waved his hand again
and led me down to the coach. which
was waiting. The drive across Paris.
the fresh air of the morning, and the
sight Of he busy city were to me like
a tonic, and ! felt nv strength re-
turning with every moment. Levau
looked at me with evident satisfaction.
You will do" he said. with that
color in your cheeks l have no longer
any fear for the result"
We soon reached the Hotel de
Richelieu, and the joy OF jacques. who
ran down the steps to welcome me,
was touching to see. He would have
had me carried into the house, but l
would have none of 1t, and insisted
on walking IN myself. Levau left me
at the door, admonishing me to rest
as much as possible for q day or two.
and to summon him II there were any
~unfavorable symptoms. Jacques led
the way to the room on the first floor
where ! had often dined He arranged
a chair for me, brought me a glass
of wine, set a stool under my feet,
and would have kissed my hand had
] permitted 1t.
There, there, Jacqueg." I protested,
as he asked me for the 100th time IL
there was auVthing else Se could do