r r V V i A Wk y 3L r I MOM AFYVTEmf IJSU1SIANA BY MJARY BEVEREUX IYTTH ILLUSTRATIONS BY DON C WILSON CHAPTER III The gray was flushing with rose tints from the coming sun when a oud knocking upon the entrance door aroused the soldier on guard in the hall Open the door a voice shouted peremptorily Tatro Pierre A thousand devils You fools inside there open the door I say The disturbance brought Greloire from his Improvised couch at the rear of the hall and climbing the ladder 2ie pushed his head through the bro ken window for a sight of who might be outside Who are you demanded the young man standing before the door his voice indicating surprise as he looked at the face of the soldier above him That is what I should like to have you tell me of yourself msieur an swered Greloire in his usual dry man tier his not over friendly eyes noting the details of the attire worn by the aristocratically clad visitor Dame now exclaimed the latter evidently more angry than before What business can it be of yours Who are you that dare cavil over opening to me the door of my fathers louse He is but one and there are two of us to handle such a cocksparrow as I could easily overcome alone with one hand said Greloire scornfully as the bars fell and Etienne entered somewhat paler than usual and his hair and raiment disheveled from an all nights concealment in one of the outbuildings of the chateau Wishing to see the baron in order to press his demand for more funds the young man had unannounced oome down from Paris and chanced to arrive the evening before during the wildest part of the melee He was by this time accustomed to her to take the young officer Into her confidence Looking up into the cold clean cut face before her she asked lou will not leave here to day Mon sieur Perhaps I cannot decide until later Before you go monsieur I would take it as a great favor should you let me ask of you some advice as to a matter concerning him you seem to love And she glanced at Jean who was standing in the doorway with his back to them The officer if he felt any surprise showed none for he answered her with kindly assurance He then joined Jean and the two went below where breakfast awaited them The two dead soldiers were buried early in the afternoon but the stars were coming out when the door of the great vault was closed and the late baron left to sleep with his an cpstors Etienne silent and repelling stood by vouchsafing little notice of anyone about him Jean had taken care to keep away from his half brother and the latter replied with scant cour tesy to the lieutenants salutation when they met for the first time as the barons body was borne from the house Margot was not of those who had stood about the tomb Etiennes tem porary absence from the house being assured she had improved the oppor tunity to open the secret panel and re move the metal box and bags of coin which she hid away amongst her own belongings She proposed with Jean and Pierre to seek a new home in Toulon where a large number of Roy alists together with others who had suffered persecution from the Revolu tionists had found refuge Presently she saw Etienne enter the drawing room where Jean had remained having refused to leave the And springing upon Etienne drove the rusted blade into his side such outbreaks and suspecting quick ly the position of affairs had lost no time in finding a hiding place in a grove not far from the house At the tidings of his fathers death a new expression came to Etiennes face softening its coldness but this quickly changed when in reply to his juery as to who was in command of the escort Greloire answered Lieu tenant Bonaparte An oath that made both soldiers stare burst from the young mans lips I will go to my apartments he added with a return of all his haughti ness and do both of you see to it that I am not disturbed by your offi - cer With this he stalked through the hall and up the stairway shuddering as he passed the blood stains upon the floor Etiennes steps on the upper stairs and along the oaken floored hall brought Tatro to the door of the room where lay the two wounded soldiers one of whom was evidently dying while the other was sleeping quietly Ah Monsieur Etienne is it you sir Then correcting himseli witn Pardon Monsieur le Baron he burst forth in a quavering voice It is surely a sad return for you Somewhat softened by the old mans words and now realizing more fully the horrors of the night before Eti enne replied in an unusually kind fashion But when he ended by or dering that a repast be brought to his rooms Tatros face showed a sur prise he dared not voice for he won dered that his new master could think of sustenance for himself so soon af ter coming upon the scene of his re cent loss Margot had slept little during the night but lay thinking of what changes were likely to come now that the baron was dead An intuition warned her to secure the money and valuables which the baron had in trusted to her care to take them from their present hHing place and have them at hand ii iase some additional disaster should come nd too bear d In mind her masters command that she remove Jean from Etiernes riid in case of that befalling which cam tad at length evolved a plan wnlch seemed both wise and feasible nut hefore attempting to put it into execution - oarJc ua Impl2 fged j lieutenant who was now seated at a table examining some papers found upon the dead Fauchel and consider ing this an opportune time to make known her plans she had turned toward the door when Etiennes voice full of its old time arrogance came to her Jean leave the room instantly and go to your bed Margot paused in the doorway and saw Jeans head raised with a bel ligerent poise I will not go for you Etienne when you order me in such a rude fashion he said his voice shaking with rage Uttering a vile oath Etienne strode forward and seizing him by the col lar dragged the boy from the chair and began striking him Monsieur Etienne do not you do that cried Margot rushing toward him Ah mon Dieu How can you have the heart and at such a time as this Jean was struggling in a wild fury using feet and hands to defend him self which he did in a way that brought to the lieutenants mind the scene of two years before in the Tuil eries garden Hold Monsieur le Baron ne said distinctly and calmly I have the right to tell you that you cannot thus assert your authority in my presence Etienne as once before released Jean and turned to face the speaker to whom the boy now rushed cling ing to him with a storm of passionate sobs coming partly from anger and partly from a bruised heart Margot had drawn nearer to his side and as Jeans sobs ceased the three confronted Etienne who now burst Into a loud derisive laugh What can a bastard and the friends and champions of a bastard expect better he demanded now speaking deliberately his pale face distorted by malice Margot started indignantly an angry flame springing itto her eyes and ths lieutenant said in a low tone whose very calmness was a menace It is scarcely the act of a gentleman to insult the defenseless and the dead Hr ipfl Ktienne now letting loose all the vials of nis uauuu nWignity Peste How can he be cuier than I call him when his mother as no wife TIs false declared Margot for getting everything like habitual re spect It is not Etienne retorted and you are a liar when you say other wise Jean with paling face his burning eyes fastened upon his brother seemed stunned It ia not Etienne repeated less vehemently as Pere Huot could tell you if you asked him My mother the late baronne dieo but three years ago in I regret to say a madhouse at Paris But mad or sane she was the baronne and that other woman the mother of your young whelp there was no wife of my fathers as you must now admit The church would never recognize her as his wife he being a true Catholic and no priest performing the marriage ceremony between him and that cursed Hugue not Etienne uttered an epithet too vile for repetition an epithet that stung to madness the listening boy who with a cry of rage such as might come from a new Cain wakeued to life snatched a dagger from a strewn upon a near by table and springing upon Etienne drove the rusted blade into his side The slight form reeled and fell a crumpled heap upon the floor wliile Margot with a shriek that brought the soldier flying from his post in the hall fell upon her knees and tried with her apron to stanch the flowing blood Jean had turned to flee but an iron grip on his shoulder held him and looking up he fell to trembling and shivering as he met the stern eyes of his friend looking as he had never before seen them Where would you go inquired a low voice whose measured calm matched the look of the eyes The boy stood silent The lieutenant still holding him fast moved to where Margot and the soldier were kneeling beside Etienne and Jean met the wild eyed regard of the wounded man from whose white lips now poured a flood of profanity mingled with threats of vengeance against the boy whom he ordered to leave the apartment The lieutenant turned away with a scornful laugh half suppressed but which Jean heard and taking heart the lad looked beseechingly upward as if asking pardon for his mad act Come away come away my De Soto whispered the officer and bending he kissed the tear wet cheek He has a venomous nature truly and one cannot be greatly blamed for treating a dog as he deserves Then gathering up the papers al which he had been looking he thrust them into his pocket and motioned Jean to follow him from the room Here Margot joined them on her way to summon Tatro that he mighi assist the soldier in getting Etienne to his own apartments Early next morning the household was astir all save Etienne who al though his wound proved to be but slight kept to his bed with Tatro in attendance and before noon all but these two had left the chateau and set out upon their various routes Margot with Jean and Perry for Tou Ion in company with the soldier Gre loire sent by the lieutenant to escort them At a fork in the highway where their roads parted Jean turned in his saddle to look after the slender fig ure riding away at the head of his men Turning his head as if he felt the boys longing eyes the lieutenant smiled and waved his hand Then putting spurs to his horse he rode swiftly from sight followed by his sol diers After a last backward look toward the vacant space that had held the one he loved best on earth Jean started his horse onward to overtake the lumbering vehicle driven by Pierre and containing Margot and all the travelers belongings To be continued He Obeyed His Orders John was the new English butler in the employ of a Philadelphia family When John first came he was told by tne mistress of the house that she was always at home tj her sister who was a frequent visitor to the house The sister in question was pointed out to John on her next visit and the mistress was satisfied in her mind that John would obey orders Every time the sister cajled John would admit the welcome guest with reverent respect It was her custom to ask him before entering if his mis tress was in and it always happened that she was so John would nod profoundly bow her in But one day it happened that Iirf mistress was out when the sister called When John went to the doo she as usual asked if her sister in to which John nodded in tk affirmative and bowed her in John business at that moment took him out in the yard and he left her in ln parlor Divesting herself of her wraps th visitor began to look for her slstor but seeing no signs of her downstairs concluded that she was on one of the upper floors and went upstairs Oi course she failed to find her and thinking that the butler might be Mistaken went downstairs to inquire of him again She found him out In the yard and calling to him asked ii he thought his mistress had gone out as she could not find her in th house John after meditating a weEest replied Yes mum she his hout Out exclaimed the sister VJS7 I thought you said she was at home vs mum came the solemn re ply but she tct mo that Fhe was al ways at on you lJppincottt Mapulne Mafitte iJSUESaLNA BY ARY 0EVKREUX WITH ILLUSTBATION5 BY DOM C VYJL50N CCtyyrtgfit J9Q3 6y ffe vmr Kf CcyrrpTy C4ff Wsfib BerKKJ CHAPTER IV Toulon on the Mediterranean was at this time the great military depot of France Its inhabitants numbered about twenty five thousand and more than fifty frigates and ships of the line rode at anchor in its harbor while within its spacious magazines was col lected an immense quantity of military and naval stores Scarcely a day passed during the fall and early winter of 1793 that did not bring to the city families and in dividuals from all parts of France seeking protection from the Revolu tionists curelties outrages which the Committee were either unable to con trol or to which they were indifferent At Toulon the friends of the old monarchy argued among themselves that the violence with which their land had been filled was too terrible to be longer endured and they began to discuss the idea of surrendering the city its magazines forts and ships to the combined English and Spanish fleets lying outside its har bor and thus help to bring about a return of law and reason to insane France Among those in Toulon who heard of the proposed surrender was Margot who with Jean and Pierre safe under the humble roof of their new home had for these many months enjoyed a security she had never before known In a measure her own mistress and removed from the dread of Etienne she found reliance and peace in the kindly guidance of Pere Huot to whom the boys went each day for in struction his abode being some dis tance from Margots small house which was in a retired part of the city near the suburbs A surrender suggested to her the possibility of bringing scenes of blood shed and violence and the very name of English was to her as also to most of her compatriots the onym of what was utterly detestable Her fears were realized when the surrender was accomplished and the English ships sailed triumphantly into port landing five thousand of their own troops and eight thousand Spaniards This proceeding was regarded with the greatest alarm and indignation by the Revolutionists who considering the surrender an act of treachery re solved to retake Toulon and drive the allies from the soil of France Two armies were marched upon Toulon and a siege was begun which for three months made but little apparent prog ress Affairs within the city became un settled and were soon almost demor alized and Pere Huot having fallen seriously ill Margots heart grew heavy as Jean seeming to throw off all restraint wandered day after day about the streets associating with soldiers and rough characters Margot had not dared to communi cate much of her misgivings from the day now several weeks past when after remonstrating warmly as to some offense he had committed she bade him ask himself if his father would have approved the act and started back as from a mans threat ened attack when the boy turned fiercely upon her Never name him to me again he cried with heaving breast and flash ing eyes I have no father Do you know my name here in Toulon It is the same as Pierres He is Pierre Lafitte and I am his brother Jean Lafitte And be I saint or devil to the end of my life I am Jean Lafitte He looked so big and terrible in his rage that Margot silent and fright ened felt that he was almost a stranger to her this boy she had car ried in her arms and whom she had loved and watched over for so many years It was the last night of November when darkness fell early over the city and Margot was preparing her lonely evening meal Where Jean and Pierre were she knew not but pre sumed that as was often their habit they would sup with some of their soldier acquaintances Although the evening was cold the usual number of pedestrians were abroad these being mostly soldiers who were seeking excitement and sip at the various eating and drinking places frequented by them One of these was called Le Chien Heureux a two story house situated down near one of the quays Lights were blinking brightly from its small windows and inside several stoves were burning where Thiel the land lord and his one assistant were pro paring supper for several civilians and soldiers who sat about talking and drinking at the various small tables Sitting near the fire two soldiers and a citizen together with Jean and Pierre were listening to a man in their midst who from his talk and appearance seemed to have been an extensive traveler This was Laro an habitue of Le Chien Heureux when on shore from the Aigle a rakish looking brigantine of which he was owner and captain Jean listened with an attention which for some reason appeared to amuse Laro who now and then with a quizzical smile lighting his black eyes glanced askance at the boys en raptured face Laros story had been listened to by others seated around the tables who occasionally reminded Thiel to hurry their suppers The next minute a soldierly looking man came in the uniform of a petty officer showing as he unclasped and threw off the heavy cloak that had en veloped him After demanding sup per as speedily as possible he seated himself some distance away from the group at the fire But Pierre had been staring open mouthed at him and now the sound of his voice caused Jean to start and turn his head quickly in the direction ot the shadowy corner where the sol dier was seated Greloire he breathed What is that my cocksparrow Toulon harbors many a stranger tongue to be sure but I speak only my own i Wwlf ill W n RmSEj iv 11 And be I saint or devil to the end of my life I am Jean Lafittel Come gentlemen all said Thiel now bustling amongst them with a huge platter Your suppers are ready Neither Laro nor the others paid any further heed to the soldier who seated apart from them ate his sup per with an appetite that bore witness to previous fasting But at odd mo ments when unnoticed his eyes with a smiling warning in them met those of the two boys and once while Jean was staring at him he laid a finger upon his lips with a swift cautioning gesture of silence His supper finished Jean strolled back to the fire before which Greloire had seated himself while the others remained at the tables some still eat ing and all of them discussing mat ters pertaining to the siege Leaning carelessly against the fire place after a quick glance about to make sure he was not observed the boy looked at the soldier with a world of inquiry in his dark eyes Greloire replied with a comprehending smile but again laid his finger against his lips as if impressing silence and then turned to the fire He had picked up his long cloak and was putting it on And no one noticed the suggestive motion of the head and hand as with slightly arched eyebrows he looked once more toward Jean who was still standing beside the fireplace But the boy was quick to see these and understood that he might expect to find Greloire outside Allowing what he felt to be a proper amount of time to pass after the latter had closed the door behind him Jean put on his cap and having motioned to Pierre they both followed regard less of Laros declaration that it was earlier than usual and not yet time for them to start for home The two boys with occasional sharp glances around passed along the al most deserted street Presently Pierre after a quick look over his shoulder gripped Jeans arm There is a man who looks like Greloire coming on just behind us He had scarcely spoken when a swift but cautious footfall came close behind him and a hand caught his shoulder while Greloire said in a care fully lowered voice Tiens My quick witted comrade how are jou As you see or might were it not so dark replied Jean grasping tho soldiers hand And you Much better for tho fine supper I Imvo been eating said Greloire a note of laughter in his voice Pierre now fell behind and tho threo stepped moro briskly What havo you to tell me in quired Jean after they had gone a few paces and Greloire remained si lent Did your lieutenant send you was he wishing to know of me asked Jean eagerly But there was no an swer Well yes and no replied Gre loire speaking slowly as If consider ing his words and adding as he looked clown Into the boys upraised face which even the dim light of the stars showed to be filled with keen disappointment Surely you have every reason to know his love for you and he Is one who never forgets But his days are now filled with that which leaves little time for him to think of anything but this siege Ho is outside the city with the Revolu tionary forces He without and you within fight ing against him burst from Jeans lips as he drew himself away Sh h whispered the soldier These streets may seem deserted but tis as well not to speak loud words for the winds may carry them to where the wrong ears may hear them Jean laughed softly and came closer to Greloire Aha I see how it is Be all the more careful then my young master warned the soldier There was silence for a time while the three walked slowly along until they reached a street where the houses were far apart and tho last one of all from whose windows camo a faint gleam of light Jean pointed out to Greloire as his present abode And so that is whore you are liv ing said the soldier as they stood looking toward it I tell you lad that had I the chance to possess so quiet a home I should stop within it and not be wandering into such sham bles of carnage and blood as is the city now Take my advice and keep away from Le Chien Heureux I can now come to your house and that will be the best place for me to see you But if you are to undertake the mis sion of which I spoke the less you see of that scoundrel Laro the better will It be Laro is my friend declared Jean his quick temper rising like a flash of fire He is my friend and even you must not name him in such fash ion to me So said Greloire calmly taking his hand from the boys arm Then I doubt if jou are to be trusted and regret telling you as much as I have Laro is not to be trusted He is al most old enough to be your father and his suspicions once aroused he has sufficient craftiness to surprise your secret and use it for our harm Jean was silent and Greloire went on in a milder tone Now tell me were you in my place would you not think twice before risking secrets with such a keeper one who cares so much for Laro as to have temper with an older friend who knowing the mans reputation warns you against liim I am not angry Greloire declared Jean penitently and regret that I was so Pardon me All right all right men ami was Greloires hearty reply Then again lowering his voice he asked in a half quizzical tone And do you wish to see our little colonel Yes indeed yes You know that I would not give one of his fingers in exchange for a dozen Laros Bien said Greloire Now I must be going So adieu and my compli ments to the good dame Margot With this he turned about and whistling softly went back the way they had come while the two boys after watching him a few moments bent their steps toward the cottage To be continued ILLS OF TELEPHONE GIRLS Customary Salutation Constantly Rings In Their Ears When a central operator hears somebody crying Hello to her on the street nine times cut of ten she ig nores the greeting said a telephone expert Why Because she takes the salute to be a delusion A girl who day after day hears Hello hello dinned into her ears and who is constantly responding with Hello hello hello in time grows to hear and repeat the word mechanically and when she leaves her work that word is still ringing in her ears She can hear people say ing Hello to her on all sides but the greeting of the real thing is so confused with the ghosts of- dead la bor that she seldom notices the first salutation of a friend And did you ever know by the way that nine out of ten persons who habitually use the telephone have what we call telephone ear In its first stage the telephone ear becomes acute and sensitive but after long use the hearing becomes more or less blunted and half the complaints igainst poor telephone service may be attributed rightly to the tele phone ear Try it some time If you habitually use the right ear next time use the left and see if it Isnt twice as satisfactory It is a good plan for those who use the telephone much to frequently switch ears This keeps the hearing equally balanced ind might ward off a permanent deaf ness Two Recommendations Needed Slowpay Doctor I suppose you can recommend your tailor to me Doctor Certainly but you will have to get some one else to recommend you to my tailor