Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 215: what you’re looking at

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

208 THE ARGOSY. He watched until the two men had disappeared indoors, then slowly and carefully he crawled out from his hiding place and made off to his cottage. “So Monsieur Cottrell,’ he muttered to himself, “ you desert the count- ess! You are nothing but an adventurer, after all—you, with your smooth voice and your fine speeches. We have enough spies around here already. Tonight, Monsieur Gottrell, you will have to reckon with Jean Daron!” CHAPTER VI.—A MIDNIGHT MEETING. ABottT four o’clock of that same day the count took his departure for his own home, some twenty miles distant. As he galloped off on his fine chest- - nut steed he looked every inch a soldier. “A gallant gentleman to serve and a liberal one!” remarked Louis to Cottrell, as they stood by the door watching the departing horseman. Then he added in a lower tone: “ The count tells me you are one of us.” “Yes, I’ve become one of the merry band!” replied the American with a queer smile that the other misunderstood. ‘‘ That’s what we are!” chuckled the butler, tipping him a wink. Cottrell decided to encourage the fellow’s familiarity, thinking to get some information from him. ‘IT suppose you are a most valuable man to the count!’’ he remarked with subtle flattery. ‘IT guess you are about right, monsieur!” replied the gratified Louis. ‘But useful as I am, there’s one more useful! ”—here his voice dropped to a whisper—“ and that’s Anne Trevoir, the protegée of the countess!” This was startling news to Cottrell, considering what her mistress had told him regarding the girl’s fidelity. “You see she tries to be loyal to the countess,” continued Louis; “ but much as she cares for her, there is one she cares for more. The foolish young thing has conceived le grand passion for the lieutenant, and he humors her and makes out that he cares a lot for her, and in that way keeps control of the girl. She’s nothing but a tool in his hands. Why, monsieur,” went on the butler in an awed voice, “‘ there’s something uncanny in the power he seems to exert over her!” “ The poor countess! ” thought Cottrell ; “ if the knowledge of this came to her it would about break her heart.” Then aloud he said: “ But what need has the lieutenant of the poor girl when he has such zealous workers as you around him? ” The butler wagged his head knowingly. “ Ah, that’s the lieutenant’s se- cret,” he replied. ‘“ But I think I can give a pretty good guess!” he added cunningly. “ You see Count Rignault is a high liver, and his income does not satisfy his expensive tastes. ‘‘T know from what I have heard that he is heavily in debt to many of his army friends. Not to pay them would be a terrible disgrace. His father, the marquis, can’t help him out. Now Anne will do anything he asks of her. He knows that she has the absolute confidence of the countess, and also that she, Anne, knows where all the family jewels and plate are kept. EORNIC OG UN ceo