The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1914-05-21

opening his mouth to claim another
victory whe, Montigny leaped up swift
as an adder and stabbed him to III.
heart. The blow took effect before he
bad time tc utter cry, before he
had time tn move. A tremOr or two
eonvulsed his frame. His hands open
ed and shut, his heels ratified on the
door, then his head rolled backward
over one shoulder. with eyes wide
open, and Ihevenin Pensete's spirit
had returned to him who made it.
Every one sprang to his feet, but the
business was over in two twos. my
God"' said Tabary. and he began TO
pray in Latin.
Villon broke out into hysteriraI
laughter He came a step forwart!
and ducked Il ridiculous bow at Theve
hin and laughed still louder. Then i.-
nat down suddenly all Of heap upon
J stool and continued laughing bitterly
ls though he would shake himself to
pieces.
Montisny recovered his composurr
1rst.
Lets see what he has about him
he remarked. and he picked the dead
mans pockets with practiced hand
md divided the money into four equal
portions on the table. There's for
vou," he said.
The monk received his share with
1eep sigh, and Il single stealthy glance
1t the dead Thevenin. who was begin
ning to sink into himself and topple
Sideways off the chair.
Were all in for it." cried Villon.
swallowing his mirth. "lt's hanging
Job for every man Jack Of us that's
here-not to speak of those who aren't"
Then he pocketed his share of the spoil
and executed a shuttle with his feet as
Il to restore the circulation
Tabary was the last to help himself.
BE made dash at the money and re-
tired to the other end of the room.
Montigny stuck Thevenin upright in
the chair and drew out the dagger.
which was followed by jet Of blood.
"You fellows had better be moving"
he said as he wiped the blade on his
victims doublet
II think we had" returned Villon.
with gulp. D his fat head:' he
broke out. 1T sticks in my throat like
phlegm. What right has man to
have red hair when he is dead" And
he fell all Of heap again upon the
stool and fairly covered his face with
his hands.
Montigny and Dom Nicolas laughed
aloud, even Tabary feebly Ginning in.
"Cry baby!' said the monk.
IL always said he was woman"
added Montigny with sheer. "Sit up.
can't your" he went on, giving another
shake to the murdered body. Tread
out that fire, Nickv'
But Nick was better employed. He
was quietly taking Villon's purse as
the poet sat limp and trembling on the
stool where he had been making bal
lad not three minutes before Montig.
ny and Tabary dumbly demanded
share Of the booty. which the monk
silently promised as he passed the lit
tie bag into the bosom Of his gown.
In many ways an artistic nature units
man for practical existence.
No sooner had the theft been accom-
plished than villon shook himself.
jumped to bis feet and began helping
to scatter and extnguish the embers.
Meanwhile Montigny opened the door
and cautiously peered into the street.
The coast was clear. There was no
meddlesome patrol in sight. Still it
was judged wiser to slip out severally,
and Villon was the first by general con-
sent to issue forth.
The wind had triumphed and swept
all the clouds from heaven. Only a
few vapors as thin as moonlight feet
ed rapidly across the stars. 1t was
bitter cold, and by common optical
effect, things seemed almost more def
mite than in the broadcast daylight. VIII
Ion cursed his fortune. Would it were
still showing! Now. wherever be
went he left an indelible trail.
Two, things preoccupied him as be
went, the aspect Of the gallows at
Montfaucon In this bright. windy
phase Of the nights existence. for one,
and for another, the look Of the dead
man with his bald head and garland of
red curls. Both struck cold upon bis
heart, and he kept quickening his pace
as If he could escape from unpleasant
thoughts by mere fieetness of foot.
Suddenly he saw long way before
Inn a black clump. and couple Of Ian
terms. The clump was in motion, and
the lanterns swung as though carried
by men walking. 1t was a patrol.
Just on his left hand there stood q 4
great hotel. with some turrets and .
large porch before the door. II WIS
dark inside afters the slimmsr ~ TIE j
anoWy sezest. sn( ~ 49, asspi1e e..
$3.50 - = Z = n 4 :. )