The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-02-27
CHAPTER xIV.-continued.

A person of more Importance than
Battista had fallen under the spell of
Francois personality. The governor
himself had been attracted by the
young Frenchman. The governor,
Count Won Gersdorf, was a vain, dis
contented, brilliant Austrian, at odds
with the world because he had not
risen further in it. He was without
society in this mountain fortress of
his, and longed for it; he had a fine
voice and no one to sing to; he liked
to talk and had no one to talk to.
Francois, with his ready friendliness,
with his gift of finding good in every
one, with his winning manner and
simplicity which had the ease Of So
phistication, was a treasure-trove of
amusement to the bored Austrian.
Things stood so with the prisoner
at the time Of his discovery of the
identity of his jailer and of his Jail.
The governor at that time was away
on a visit 10 Vienna, looking for pro-
motion; he came back elated and
good-humored in the prospect of a
change within the year But the heart
of Francois sank as he thought what
the change might mean to him.
Some day marshal of France I'M
der another Bonaparte, he said to
himself one day, staring through the
bars at his window-he called the sky
SO. He smiled But that is nothing
To help place my prince on the throne
OF France-that is my work-my life"
He talked aloud at times, as prison
ers come to do. He went on then, in
a low voice.
IF there were good fairies, if had
three wishes: Alixe-the prince made
emperor-Francois Beaupre, marshal
of France" He laughed happily. 1T
is child's play. Nothing matters ex-
cept that my life shall do its work
Even that is SO small; but have a
great desire to do that. believe
shall do that know it." And he fell
to work on book which he was plan.
ming, chapter by chapter, in his brain.
But, If he were to escape ever, the
chance was increased infinitely by the
going back and forth to the governors
room. A new governor might keep
him shut up absolutely. 1t had been
so while the count was away; then he
mad been i'll, and the lieutenant in
command would not let doctor see
him till he became delirious; that was
the ordinary treatment of prisoners.
Francois, thinking over these things
on a day, fell with a sudden accent
on the steady push of his longing for
freedom, the conviction that he must
get free before the count left, else OPP
portunity and force for the effort
would both be gone forever And on
that day Battista brought in his mid.
day meal with a look and a manner
which Francois remarked
What is Il, Battista?" he asked
softly.
The man answered not a word, but
turned and opened the door rapidly
and looked out. Il thought | had left
the water-pitcher. All, here it isl
am stupid" he spoke aloud. And then,
finger on lip dramatically, he bent over
TIC JOuuS udu. MY SOI-LHe llCIle
Battista-has had letter. The young
master wishes him to come to hltn in
France, to serve him. He is going in
two days"
1t was whispered quickly, and Bat
tista stood erect.
"The signor's food will get cold if
the signor does not eat it." he spoke
gruffly. Il do not like to carry good
food for prisoners who do not appre-
ciate it. shall bring less tomorrow"
But Francois, hardly hearing the
Burly tones, had his hand on Battista's
arm, was whispering back eagerly.
Where does he go, in France?"
ITO Vicques," the low answer came.
Francois sank back, tortured.
Going to Vicques, the little Battista!
From Castlefortei And he, Francois.
must stay here in prison! His soul
was wrung with g sudden wild home
sickness. He wanted to see Alike, to
see his mother. to see the general; to