The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-11-02

as II was too dark to see his face.
l spoke to him. He answered. II
was he.
And he had q strange story to
tell. After had left him on guard
at the stair head. a man dressed in
rough clothes had suddenly ap-
peared from another OF the arch
ways. At first Cassier supposed
him to be one Of the bandits, but
when the fellow saw him. he start
ed to run as II he. too, were a
fugitive. CASTER followed and
caught one glimpse Of his face.
"And did you recognize himT l
asked.
II thought he looked like the
Chevalier d'Enville. Yet In view
of what you told me l could scarce
believe my eyes. At that moment
I had followed him down a pas
sage, there was sound OF steps
at the other end, and turning. he
saw ME. Seemingly he recognized
me also and gave a swift signal
for silence. Together we stepped
into an arched doorway. But, Mon.
sisur. you are not alone!"
"'Tis Mademoiselle d'Envills." I
said, and named CASTER to her.
And you thought the man might
be my brother?" she prompted.
II cannot tell" answered CASTER,
his story. "The foot
steps finally passed us In the dark,
the owner calling name-Gos-
pele. Getting no answer he reused
other brutes and they are now
searching the castle. The man and
dared not stay in that passage,
SO we ran for It and got separated.
| found this stair and came here.
Where the other went I don't
know"
l then repeated to him good
part of what Mademoiselle had told
me. CASTER was dumfounded when
l named de Saule, and instantly
agreed that we must leave our pres
ent hiding place-or rather Made
prison-as 1t would be
searched ere long.
The hand of the girl grasped my
sleeve.
what are we to do. Monsieur"
she asked. her voice trembling.
where are we to got"
Clasping the hand on my arm, |
held it tightly, my veins throbbing
In swift response to her appeal.
II have not yet thought 1t all
out. Mademoiselle,' I replied. with
all the assurance l could muster.
But first I would view the situa-
ton with my own eyes. Come, Cas-
sier. We will go below. and find
out what can be done. You have
a weapon"
"Yes, but only one load"
He followed as I descended the
steps and helped the lady. AT the
foot recovered my sword then.
holding tightly to her. stole stealth
lily along the passage, the gloom so
dense no object could be discerned.
We moved silently. feeling our
way. until we came to where a re-
Election of light from the great hall
below stole up the broad stone
stairs. Then for the first time I
was enabled to perceive the face of
Mademoiselle, whom I held close to
me. Her cheeks were colorless,
yet shs smiled bravely as our
slances met.
IT am glad to see you keep a
strong heart" I whispered. "This
Is a hard task for a woman"
II am so hopeful he is alive.
Monsieur" she answered in the
same low tone, "and that we shall
find him."
II hope as you do" I answered.
"If Charles fEnville lives we shall
know tonight. I pray 1t may be so
for your sake, as we'll as mine.
would not have his death upon my
soul, and-and besides"
hesitated, surprised at the
words trembling on my lips.
And what, Monsieur"
81 hardly know; I dare not say"
I blurted out. "Only l care so much
because of you, because of our
friendship. II would ever be bar
rier between U.S."
l felt her hand touch mine
gently.
81 do not blame, Monsieur" she
said softly. 81 believe what you
have told me. 1t was a fair cross
ing of swords, and had Charles not
fallen, he would have struck you
down."
at was a quarrel Of hot-heads,
and whether l was justified or not,
1t would be impossible for his sis
ter to forgive and forget"
81 could forgive, Monsieur, for I
know soldiers, and how easily they
draw sword. / believe you did only
as any high spirited man would
do"
"You mean you trust met"
Implicitly, Monsieur" ~
And like me"
THAT has never been hard" the
words came swiftly. do not ques-
ton me any more. Monsieur. Is 1t
not enough that I give you my-my
confidence? We are In peril, in
great danger STILL"
81 know, yet 1t is those very
words you have spoken which give
me courage to face whatever may
come" I bent, and touched my
lips to her hand. Somehow we
shall thwart those villains. But let
us move forward and gain glimpse
down the stairs"
fHnnflnIi~A In Our MAsa lsstIsl