Belle-Rose — page 332: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

. — TO CONQUER OR DIE. 921 “*Oh!’’ said Déroute, “the little man is about to go to - sleep for twenty-four hours if we leave him alone.”’ While he was still speaking, the precipitate gallop of a horse was heard in the street. The cat-like eyes of Déroute had at once recoenized the rider. ‘‘Monsieur de Charny !’’ he murmured. “It is well,’’ said Monsieur de Pomereux; ‘‘the tiger after the wolves.’ , Three seconds after a violent blow shook the door of the hotel ; another blow immediately followed it. ‘‘Jean,’’ said the count, addressing himself to one of his lackeys, “take a flambeau, open the door, and bring to me the person who is knocking. m The lackey bowed and went out. ~ What!’” exclaimed Déronte, ‘‘you introduce the enemy. into the place?’’ ‘AS you see, my comrade, and, moreover, I place the garrison under arrest.” Déroute looked at the count with all his eyes. ‘*Under arrest, did you say?”’ ‘There, in the next room, where you are going along with Belle-Rose, ? said Monsieur de Pomereux:. As he said this, he opened a concealed door and intro- duced the captain and the sergeant into a little room where there was a small bed. ‘‘Dream, meditate, or sleep if you wish,’’ he added, turning to Déroute; **but above all, only speak.in case you are questioned. ”’ The count again pressed the hand of Belle-Rose and closed the door upon him. Inside, the noise of steps was heard upon the stair-way. ‘‘Monsieur de Charny!’’ cried the lackey, stepping back to make way for the favorite. | Monsieur de Pomereux pointed out a fauteuil near the chimney. ‘*It is a little late to make a visit, monsieur, 99 said he to Monsieur de Charny; ‘‘but your visits are so rare that Ido - not disturb myself over the hour which you choose. ’ “Tt is not a visit, monsieur le comte, it is an affair which» brings me,’”’ replied Monsieur de Charny. “The motive matters little, your presence suffices me and you are welcome.’’ ‘‘T imagine, monsieur, that you know the grave reason which has brought me to your hotel at such an advanced. hour of the night?’’ “My God! my dear Monsieur de Charny, you are such a ¢s) So aac i comicboo ) a) os » 74 . See wee P (ee)