The citizen., 1914-02-27
cHAPrER xIv.-continued.

Battista had fallen under the spell of
Francois personality The governor
himself had been attracted by the
young Frenchman. The governor,
Count von 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 fine
voice and no one to sing to; he liked
to talk and had no one to talk to.
Francois, with his ready friendliuess,
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 visit to 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 un-
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 ds 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
low voice.
IF there were good fairies, if had
three wishes: Alixe-the prince made
mperor-Francois Beaupre, marshal
of France" He laughed happily. at
is childs play. Nothing matters ex-
cept that my life shall do its work.
Even that is SO small; but have
great desire to do that. l believe |
shall do that know it." And he fell
to work on a 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
had 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 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 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. 81 thought had left
the water-pitcher. All, here it isl
am stupid" he spoke aloud. And then,
finger on lip dramatically, he bent over
the young man. 'My son-the little
Battista-has had a letter. The young
master wishes him to come to hlm 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
surly 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 Castleforte! And he, Francois,
must stay here in prison! His soul
was wrung with sudden wild home
sickness. He wanted to see Alike, to
see his mother. to see the general; to