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MoLEOD, Publisher c' p 75, IQOO S>ST. u i9% 585 CorrKioHT 1899 •8585 TO THE MEMORY OF BIENVILLE THE SOLDIER-GO- £RNOR OF LOUISIANA OUT OF WHOSE MIGHTV PROVINCE HAS GROWN NEARLY ONE-HALP OF THE WORLDS GREATEST lUPUBUC CONTENTS Foreword The Master Bienville Aboard Le Dauphin The Road to Versailles II III IV 12 i8 36 The Decadence of Versailles Louis XIV At the Austrian Arms A New Friend Mademoiselle VII VIII IX 32 47 57 7* 8S i In the House of Bertrand The Dawn and the Dusk Florinc to the Rescue The Girl of the Wine ^hop The Secretary and the Duke CONTENTS X XI XII XIII New Hopes The Unexpected The Flight From Sceaux XIV XV XVI XVII Serigny's Departure XVIII The Castle of Cartillon XIX From the Path of Duty XX The Fall of PensacoU XXI lOI no 133 MS 163 iSo 193 205 224 233 i ti... XOI IZO 123 «33 10 163 ^73 iSo »93 The Contents of the Box CONTENTS XXII XXIII A Note Which Went Astray XXIV The Children of the Black Wolfs Breed Appendix 241 « 966 375 ao5 934 333 ! I ]l ' > -lU.. T^RANCE—In the old world and in the new! The France of romance and glory under Henry of Navarre; of pride and glitter under Louis XIV, in - whose reign was builded, under the silver lilies, that'em- pire^Louisiana—in the vague, dim valley of the Mis- sissippi across the sea: these are the scenes wherein this drama shall be played. Through these times shall run the tale wJiich follows. Times when a man's good sword was ever his truest friend, when he who fought best com- manded most respect. It was the era of lusty men the weak went to the wall. King and courtier; soldier and diplomat; lass and lady; these are the people with whom this story deals Jf, therefore, you find brave fighting and swords hang- ing too loosely in their sheaths; if honor clings round an empty shadow and the women seem more fair than hon- est, I pray you remember when these things did happen who were the actors, and the stage whereon they played. The Author. ir" r-**t^ g m lii Ik an th coi of sor age sea, pail neu THE BLACK WOLF'S BREfiD FOREWORD /T- « filH„gtkal eld men. evm tho» whose trade is war should end their days in peace, yet it galls me gnevouslyto sit idly here ty the fire, in this year of irace ru6. .^eat things go on in * wJldZioL lilt'L'T ^f """ f"'- ^"-''"^'V ''is crippled w V ""''■ ^"^ "" ' ^ ""re tlutn dreL and meditate and brood. '^""""^ ''"SS"h blood; again 1 tasu the wild joys of sLTS-7 ^""- """ "" ''''"* «'■«« of 'hose Ze Zt ""Z"' " '"'" " '""'' "'y ^ronZg age. '^ut the yotithful vigor is ^onf> Ti.i/ f, scarcely wield a ^fcl^inAn/TfriendtfrnaZTaL 6"- «crc:« vf keen and honest swords (0 r liili a THE BLACK WOLF S BREED Thus run my thoughts whiU I sit here like some de' crepit priest, bending over my task, for though hut an in- different clerk I desire to leave this narrative for my chil- dren's children. My early life was spent, as my children already know, for the most part in the American Colonies. Of fiy father I knew little, he being stationed at such re- mote frontier posts in the savage country that he would not allow my mother and myself to accompany him. So we led a secluded life in the garrison at Quebec. After the news came of his death somewhere out in the wilder- ness, my brave mother and I were left entirely alone. I was far too young then to realize my loss, and the mem- ory of those Maceful years in America with my patient, accomplished mother remains to me nm^ie very happiest of my life, ^^V From her I learned to note anctW^ the beauties of mountain and of stream. The broad blue St. Lawrence and the mighty forests on Us banks were a constant source of delight to my childish fancy, and those mem- ories cling to me, ineffaceable even by all these years of war and tumult. When she died I drifted to our newer stations in the south, down the great river, and it is of that last year in Louisiana, while I was yet Captain de Mouret of Bienville's Guards, that I would have my children know. Along the shore of Back Bay, on the southern coast of our Province of Louisiana, the dense marsh grass grows far out into the water, trembling and throbbing with the ebb and flow of every tide. THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED € some dc but an itt' or my chil' n already onies. Of t such re- he would ' him. So ec. After the wilder' f alone. I I the mem- ty patient, ry happiest beauties of Lawrence a constant hose mem- se years of Thicker than men at arms, it stands awhile erect where the shallow sea waves foam and fret; then climb- ing higher ground, it straggles away, thinner and thin- ner, in oaken-shaded solitudes long innocent of sun. Beginning on the slopes, a vast mysterious forest, without village, path, or white inhabitant, stretclies in- land far and away beyond the utmost ken of man . There the towering pines range themselves in ever-receding col- onnades upon a carpet smooth and soft as ever hushed the tread of Sultan's foot. Dripping from their topmost boughs the sunlight's splendor flickers on the floor, as if it stole through chancel window of some cool cathedral where Nature in proud humility worshiped at the foot of Nature's God. It was in those ^wilds, somewhere, the fabled El Dorado lay; themgtbbled the fountain of eternal youth ; through that endlftwilderness of forest, plain and hill flowed on in turbid majesty the waters of De Soto's mighty grave. •ons in the \t last year Mouret of iren know, hern coast xrsh grass throbbing an of education and , . "T k ?'^ ^«"""e'y "•efuge „n a knoll overlocVn. , • it""* ''■' ^°«'« »' there to find the toIe.„uo„M' -5 .''^''''^y' hoping '^"d. The edict of Na„tes haH T ''"" '" ^i' "ativf ,L0"i^. and thousands Of" '!T"''' '' "^"^ 'o>v degree sought new fortuts I "? °' ^'^^ ^"^ Many had reached ' ""^^^ '" "ewer lands. getic swords "d ituT^'li?'' ^'"^^ -* -r- £<^ and fame from wharveTsot^e ,7"' '"°°' ^"^ This man alone of an m I "'^J' ""'ght. - disposition toselh ot::f l!,?.'r^ "^^ 'hown no the hidd. len treasure ui cs oi the S BREED ted sand a; ft3 base nany 3'eaiii. w'hp'-.- inanJfest in its '"Side the enclosure •aiJing vine clung lov- y, and even a few 0/ sweetness to a place th a thought of bar- in such a one my ears of sweet good- e roses, the rude peace, of gentler »nt protected this ies of France, the ceaseless vigilance there it was said, t exile, seemingly "'Jt h'. castie of feabay, hoping im in his native evoked by King wen of high and ■r lands. rove with ener- v^rest blood and ley might, rers had shown reasufcs of the THE MASTER ilderness, to prey upon the natives. He became their •lend and not their plunderer. His quiet life, his kindness, his charity, his knowledge if the simple arts of healing, so endeared him to every irarring faction that at his house the Choctav and the hickasaw the Frenchman, Spaniard and the English- .an met ahke m peace. So the needless fort. r.ea'tions _fEll into unrepaired decay. '. Many an afternoon I had paddled across the bay and ^pent a quiet hour with him, as far from the iat and *^rd a. Biloxi as i, we were in some othe^t^d As, th.s night, we drew nearer the house we sa.. no .^ns o. I,fe save the chinks of light creeping be„ ath the door. I rapped, and his voice bade me enter The master sat at his table in the center of a g, at ■oom about which were a number of surgical Lnd These curious weapons of destruction or of witchcraft ( r so the Indians regarded them, contributed to make h.m an object of fear, which doubtless did mucTtl strengthen his influence among the tribes andt::r:;ss:^°-f^^^^^ rgreriTca"^ - ^u^rd-rs I oniy thanked our HoTZtJ^ r^T"' '''''''' '" He rose, and laving his h^"'' «e. "Wait, Placidel ' I am "Zd " ""^ "'"' ^"'"'""^ "«c, 1 am glad you returned this ^^1 8 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED M way, tor I have long wished to speak with you- esoe- c.any_aoIwishito„this„i,ht-o„thi.!;i;h,l; Mechanically I obeyed, for I could see there was ometh.„g of more than usual import on his mTnd The Ind,ans had withdrawn, an<: the master, pacinguncer S : « hf:, ™r ■ '''-'' ^-^ -.'rded Ve •: tently, as if he almost regretted his invitation to stay After several efforts he abruptly began • ^' meet'dtth ^T- "' T '°"^ '" "™' '"" "^^'d '<> Trti r T ^^ ^ '"'""'" ''"'>' ^performed. It is Of this I would speak." • it is I listened in silence. He spoke hurriedly as though he doubted his resolution to tell it all ^ r.'l'^T;fA^ ''''''^'^"' '" '^"'" ^°^°«'"^^' know me only as Colonel d'Ortez, the Huguenot refugee. So I have bee„ known by the whites ever since I came here to escape persecution at home, and to get forever beyond he so^und Of a name which has become hateful toVell; FrZ^'f^^""'' '^''^'''" ^''^ ^'^" ^ P^«"^ race in trance for centuries, yet I, the last d'Artin, find the name too great a burden to bear with me in shameful sUence to my grave. See this," and he took from his throat a pearl-studded locket, swung by a substantial golden chain, which he opened and handed to me In- side^were the arms of a noble family exquisitely blaz- oned upon a silver shield. ^'What is it; what device is there?" I knew something of heraldry and read aloud without !REED k with you ; espe- n this night. Sit uld see there was on his mind. The ter, pacing uncer- regarded me in- nvitation to stay, i: ive, and dread to performed. It is rriedly as though , know me only as So I have been e here to escape ver beyond the teful to me — my proud race in 'Artin, find the me in shameful le took from his y a substantial ied to me. In- xquisitely blaz- \ aloud without " What is it ; what device is there?" p. 8. THE MASTER jhesitation the bearings upon the shield, prominent among jwhich were three wolves' heads, chevroned, supported [by two black wolves, rampant, the coronet and motto ["Praeclare factum." ' 'Aye, ' ' he mused half coherently, ' 'the wolf ; 'tis the Icrest of the d'Artins, quartered with those of many of Ithe most ancient houses of France. So do those arms [appear to men. But see." He took the locket quickly from me and with a swift Iforceful movement turned the plate in its place, exposing [the reverse side. "What is this? Look!" * I glanced at it and started, looking inquiringly into [my old friend's face. He avoided my eye. I saw now upon the plate the same arms, the same I quarterings, but over all there ran diagonally across the scutcheon a flaming bar of red which blazed evilly upon the silver ground. I understood. "What is it?" he demanded impatiently. I still could I find no word to answer. "Speak out boy, what is it?" "The same, but here, overall, is the bendlet sinister. " I scarcely dared to look up into his face. "Aye," he replied, his countenance livid with j shame. "It is the bar sinister, the badge of dishonor. So do those proud arms appear in the sight of God, and so shall they be seen of men. And for genera- I tions each Lord of Cartillon has added to that crimson [stripe the indelible stain of cowardice." The master, his features working convulsively with m pf m ill 10 THE BLACK WOLF's BREED 11 ttoes. for the murdered man waLr'' ""'^ '""*"^' " Catholic in the service of r ""S"'""'- •"■' ^'^-yer after St. Bartholomew' tL;'"'/."' " ^"^ '"= ^^^ «on for sa'fety to Tn oM f I ?"' '"''' '^"' ""'^ '"^nt Catholic faith, and h bLJ^ u .'""^^^ "P '" '*= the true right 'o, the Cou^: d'lrtfn Or"^"'^ ''""'' always been ignorant Th, ' ""' ""^^ have ^epented. andLm:rhis!t: rnrMr::,dr "-r whole story exacffntr n c^i ' '°^^ ^'"1 the the .'i^.-nh^iterore^anVtrrer^^^^^^^ ^°""' «"<• oath was kept in cart m! n " °"'"- This the child, then an'oL"n the ''''°"V^'°««. '»""<" courage to declare hTs wn shameTnd 'r'"'^" *^ price of his father's crime p ^^''^ rehnquish the this locket was made and L '*'°"' "'""^ *-«jv "ictue, and the same vow anri t-u^ tradition were handed down to me Th '^""^ ^a^Ws,wouMgiveupth^:^J,rCitTgeT: 'ather's time. nT^'^.tt^X::^,,^"""' '" -^ P-e it; I confide them ^o^ZTJ^;',:!::' ^^^ I am gone I want you to find the lastd'Irrin ••' BREED aving the floor, con- idred years ago the castle by the son of ', who assumed the was easy in those Juguenot, his slayer and it was the day ■ had sent his infant abbott of a neigh- brought up in the ascendants resided Oi this they have on his death bed him, told him the hat he would find m his own. This ul d'Ortez, found v. but lacked the nd relinquish the t Raoul d'Ortez ►w and the same I have no child, sed heritage if I rd has been kept broken in my he papers which Jy death. After Artin." THE MASTER j, He was silent now a long time, then continued in a I lower tone : "My mother was of the reformed religion and I embraced her faith. It seems like a judgment of God that I, a Huguenot, should lose under King Louis what my Catholic ancestor gained under King Charles 5 Now go, lad." I could say nothing, but touching his hand in mute sympathy turned away without a word. I had almost reached the door when he sprang after ^ and again detained me. His glance searched appre- hensively into the shadowy corners of the room his voice wavered, the look of a hunted animal crept 'into his eyes. "Tis said," he whispered, "the restless spirits of my fathers yet haunt our castle in Normandy— oh mer- ciful God, do you believe it? Oh no, no, after all these troubled years I fain would find a dreamless slumber in my grave." I soothed him as I would a frightened child, and left nim standing at the door. £1 '-• Ill CHAPTER II BIENVILLE yVlUSING on .his strange stoo^, and the old „, ■ unwonted fear. I walkeH „„ j "'^" ' edge where my Indian M.„^ T "" '° *^ "'^'"'s awaited me. Another hi \' "''f^ '" *^ P^^"-- \ii;i. -finotner half hour and we w(-r» .„ ui • When we reached the barracks 1 1 7 ! ''°'"- tend the governor at once ""^ "^"' '° «" Bienville stood before !,,■■,<; veiy different mood from . 1°"^' 'l'"'"' ■"« '" » seen him. " '"^ '" "'"='> ' had theretofore "Captain de Mourpt " <-i,« Without any pre,!!de :r in^i e^^^f ^ " T'"' '"^^"' you at once to Paris on .. "'°"' ^ ^^sire to send tance to myse^Ldl hrd^ T', '""'°" '■■"P''^- task, though I can ill 7 ^' ^'''"' ^O" '»*• f-s deliJate matter T be, '^"' ^'"' ^"'' ^^"^ ■* is a you are couTgeous •' ^°" '° "= ''»"«'. ' ''"Ow -Sr3^S-,„^-ing Had evidently weZThe'"4To:s^^f "'° '"""'">' "« "ere, the band of unSled ,i'" '°"' °' "" '"^ ^^«h' A ---;jr,r.yt::ro;:t^:^^^^^^^^^ and the old man's iown to the water's ady in the pirogue, we were in Biloxi.' ound orders to at- ne, quiet, but in a 1 1 had theretofore >ld warrior began, 'I desire to send he utmost impor- select you for t^^-'s , because it is a • honest, I know ng had evidently id me here, the I the earth. A Canadians and n to feed them- BIENVILLE 13 'f ves out of the bountiful earth which would give every- ing we need almost for the asking. The air is full now rumors of a Spanish war, and a Natchez-Chickasaw iance. If these things are true we would find our- ves entirely cut off from French supplies, and this lony would literally starve to death. Yes, starve to ;athwith untold millions of fruitful acres all about us. iad we strength to fight I would not care so much, 'ith but two companies of undisciplined troops, a mere •aggling handful, officered by drunkards, we could not ifend this post a day against any organized attack." All this I knew to be true, so I made no comment, e pursued the conversation and evidently relieved his lind of much that had troubled him for months. "Then this beggarly commissary of mine, and the ■afficking priest, de la Vente, they are constantly stir- ing up strife against me here, and putting lies in the ands of my enemies at court. The king, too, is wearied ut with this endless drain upon his treasury for money ind supplies, and is now, so I am informed, almost eady to accede to Crozat's proposition, and turn over :o him the revenues and government of the colonies." The old man grew earnest and eloquent. "What! turn over an empire such as this to a miser- ible tradmg huckster, the son of a peasant-permit him :o name the governors and officers! Whv, under his ■ule, such cattle as la Salle and de la Vente would feed fat upon the miseries of the people ! Great God, lacide, do you appreciate what that means? To :reate this peddler of silks and laces lord of a bound- i#» i: b^'J H THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED :t less domain, more magnificent than Louis in his wildest schemes of conquest ever dreamed? Why, boy, the day will come when for a thousand leagues the silver lilies will signa each other from every hill top ; marts of com- merce mil thrive and flourish; the land will smile with farms and cities, with proud palaces and with granite castles. The white sails of our boats will fleck evefy lake and sea and river with their rich burdens of trade, pour- ing a fabulous and a willing wealth into the coffers of the king. Gold and silver mines will yield their pre- cious stores, while from these niggard natives we will wrest with mightvarm the tribute they so contemptu- ous y deny the weakling curs who snap and snarl at my heels Greytowerand fortress will guard every inlet and watch this sheltered coast. In every vale the'low chant of holy nuns will breathe their benediction upon a happy people. And hordes of nations yet unknown and races yet unborn, in future legends, in song, in story and m rhyme, will laud the name of Bourbon and the ^Z;[%^:'-'' Oh ladlladl .is an ambition The governor had risen, and waving his long arms this way and that, pointed out the confines of his mighty dreamland empire with as much assurance as if cities and towns would spring up at his bidding The face, glorified and transfigured by the allurement of his brilliant mirage, seemed that of another man "Ah Placide! Placide! it stings me that this chiv- alrous king of ours, this degenerate grandson of Henry BIENVILLE W''* '] iS the Great, should think of seHing for a few paltry livres such an heritage as this. Shame to you Louis, shame I" His tone had grown so loud, so peremptor^^, I inter- rupted. "Caution, sire; who knows what tattler's ears are hstening, or where your thoughtless words may be re- peated." He stood moodily with hands behind him gazing into the fire. For years I had known Bienville the soldier the stem and unyielding governor, with the hand of iron and the tongue of suasion. Now I saw for the first time Bienville the man Bien- ville the visionary, Bienville the enthusiast, the dreamer of dreams and the builder of castles. I watched him in amazement. "Then these miserable women whom our good father the Bishop of Quebec, was so kind as to send us. bringi mg from their House of Correction all the airs and graces of a court. Bringing hither their silly romances of a land of plenty ; they vow they came not here to work and by the grace of God, work they will not. They declare they are not horses to eat of the corn of the fields, and clamor for their dear Parisian dainties Agamst such a petticoat insurrection the governor is helpless. Bah I it sickens me. I wonder not that our men prefer the Indian maidens, for they at least have common sense. But by my soul, Captain, here I stand and rant like some schoolboy mouthing his speech Tush, it is forgotten. :^ nl '' il I i\ 16 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED "Tell me, Captain de Mouret wh-n- u^ in '^ ^oX't'rr' T "•°"^^' ' -- - Everywhere w! 1 d p^?; 1° ^""^ reconnaissance, tribes, and felt sure we Z '1 . "^ "" '""^•' standing between .he™ and TheTant: """ """"■ inei" rr " zt: "rZ r r ^.r ""^ -- capacious chimney "^ """^ '"" ™"""^ *™ "« "P •I'e ''And they charge me at the court of France " h, werd S"a::t;:- z ^--^^^o'^ like gentlemen for gCnTt detrTe'r^TT" "'" ''^'" fight unwi.,i„g,y „nL':i,e thfor^ ~""''' "'■° spoi. BtiTs Hal:? '™'"'' ^'■° -""^ - ^'^-^'^ brother Serig„v.st„ds!i"ed*H. ''''''''" '■" "^ immedjaicly upon your arrival. ^'^^^^^'^^W^^WWBS^^^^ BIENVILLE i; From that time forward act under his instructions. Re- member, sir, your mission is a secret one." I knew well the name he gave me, for next to Iber- ville, Serigny was reputed the most accomplished of all the Le Moyne's. To his fame as a soldier, his aftain- ments as a scholar, he added the easy grace of the courtier. His position at the court of Louis gave him great prestige throughout the colonies; he being a sort of adviser to the King on colonial affairs, or so we all then thought him. Little did I then know how scant was the heed paid by power and ambition to real merit and soldierly virtues This while we sat without passing a word. Truth to tell I was loath to leave the Governor, for I knew even better than he how much of treachery there was in those about him. Besides that I had no confidence in my lieutenant, and yet hated to acquaint Bienville with the fact for fear he might mistrust my motives. I was heavy at heart and dreaded the future. When, somewhat after midnight, I arose to go he came around the table and taking me by both shoulders gazed steadily into my face. I met his glance frankly and quailed not. "Forgive me, Placide, these are such days of distrust I doubt every one about me. Forgive me, lad, but your old commander's reputation, aye, his honor even, de- pends now so much upon your fidelity. ' ' I could say nothing. I felt a stealthy tear tremble in W^ye, yet was not ashamed, for its mate PUsf^ned .'n Z1::'^:J'' ' "" "°^ ^'^^" ^^ ov^r-weeping. *? .t I f si vm ;il iiii.ii CHAPTER III ABOARD LE DAUPHIN. yHE morning dawned moist and cold, with a stifl s^in., the we.e™ ed::''o.re''r;"^,; ^ .ttS enaw.se across the harbor, and put me ablard t DaJ! I alone had no part in all the noisy preoaration f„ .stenmg to the straining of the masts, the flapping saT the low complaining beat of the wind-tormented wate ' Above the creak of the windlass raising anchor i z^^Crfz"' ^''''''' — atiL •::' out! visiof r sei:^^ed": r;:::: inTb' r t'- °' hung down the vessel's side ^a fa"d^ r ' l' "*" disjointedly: "X a laddSr. I made out, ■•Along in September_as soon as you return =.11 will be in readiness-two thousand oJsCmT Natche.-we ought to have nodimcu^;!!lYva^^S:::^ :t.."^;nd m":^':i -i- - ^ .- -?- Anj~ 1. "" "<= a great thmg 1 And much more that I could not hear clearly. ABOARD LE DAUPHIN ,« But I had heard enough to know there was some m. h ■„ the rumor or a Spanish-Indian alliance, and an ataclc on B.lox,. And the name Yvard, being Unusual clung somewhat to my memory I immediately ran on deck and sauntered over towards hat s,de seekmg to discover the traitor. No one ,^s there, only a lutle group o. officers walking about Z wards the shore were the retreating outlines of a ight boat I knew none of these officers, any one of whom m,ght have been the man I overheard, and so Idu^" ask no questions. I could therefore confide in no one on board for fear of making a mistake, but must Z upon g,v,ng Bienville prompt warning u^on my re u^ and I must needs hide my reluctance and mingle S officers and men, fo.- perchance by this means fmfeht |uncover the scoundrel. •"■a • mignt I ;f 1";°"? •> I -"'de free with the men, pitched quoits land jomed in their rough play, I trusted 'one, susp c d dence, but, thmking ,t wiser, kept my own counsel JTVeason could ever wear a smiling front Ld air S: land'Hlri""'" '""^'' """^ *^" "y-". o' gloomy telThlTv '"' ''" '"""""■"S «>«« was so mas- terful about h.m men obeyed him whether they would or no A more silent man I never knew, yet courZu, ,_.-s t" Achile Droussard my heart went out in those I days of loneliness. His almost childish lightness ordTs! ^^1 I ?«■ 20 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED i; I !!il! position and his friendly ways won me completely and we became fast comrades. A noble looking lad, with the strength of a young Titan, and the blonde curls of a woman. During the long idle hours of the afternoon it was his custom to banter me for a bout at swords, and Levert generally acted as our master of the lists. At first he was much my superior with the foils, for dur- mg his days with the Embassy at Madrid, and in the schools at Paris, he had learned those hundreds of showy and fancy little tricks of which we in the forests knew nothing. However, I doubted not that on the field our rougher ways and sterner methods would count for quite as much. With all the five long weeks of daily practice, I gath- ered many things from him, until one day we had an experience which made us lay the foils aside for good We had been sitting after the dinner hour, discussing his early life in Paris. He wound up with his usual declaration, "As for myself, give me the gorgeous plays, the fetes and smiles of the Montespan, rather than the prayers, the masses and the sober gowns of de Maintenon. And now it is your turn, comrade; let us know something of your escapades, your days of folly in dear old Paris." "I have never seen Paris," I answered simply "What! Never been to Paris? Then, man, you have never lived. But where have you spent all your days?" "In the colonies — Quebec, Montreal, Riloxi. But now I will have an opportunity, for I am going— " ABOARD LE DAUPHIN . 'm 21 Rtloxi. But I had almost told something of my mission, ere I checked a too fluent confidence. Levert, who had been pacing up and down the deck in his absorbed and inattentive way, dropped his blade across my shoulder and challenged me to the foils. "No, it is too early yet." Achille replied, "besides we were talking of other things. As you were saying,' comrade, you go — ?" - "Oh. you two talk too much." Levert broke in again "let us have a bout; I'm half a mind I can handle a foil myself. A still tongue, a clear head and a sharp blade are the tools of Fortune." It seemed almost that he had twice interrupted pur- posely to keep me from talking. I thought I read that deeper meaning in his eyes. Somehow I grew to dis- trust him from that moment. What consequence was it to him of what I spoke? It was not Levert's business to govern my tongue for me. so I only said : "Nay, we'll try our skill somewhat later; not now," and resumed my conversation with Achille. While his manner showed a concern I deemed the matter httle to warrant, yet it did make me consider so I determined not to speak truly of myself. "Well, now. comrade, of your own intrigues. You were saying—?" "Nay, nothing of that kind. I journey to Paris sim- ply for my own pleasure. ' ' Levert, who half listened at a distance knew I was going to heed his advice, though .ff^H j3|^H i ii2iis£^:£ikn^l ■HH 32 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED I misdoubted his motive, and again took up his pacing to and fro. *- s "Aye, my dear Captain, but 'tis a long trip for such an errand?" "Yes, quite a long trip, but I weary of the life at Biloxi, and would amuse myself for a while in France " "But the garrison at Biloxi; is that strong enough to spare so good a soldier? then the Indians, do you not fear them?" I glanced at him quickly, only half betraying my thought, but replied nonchalantly : "No, the Indians are quiet, at least so our scouts tell us, and as for the state of the garrison, you were long enough ashore to know we are strong." "Ah, then, there is another motive; a woman Come, is it not true? Confess?" I blushed in spite of myself; it was an idle way I had for I had seen little of women. My confusion threw him completely off the track; had I only guessed it, would have taken refuge in that device sooner. "No, no, comrade; you are wrong"— but still some- how my color came and went like a novice out of the convent. His good-humored raillery continued until I became annoyed in earnest, yet was glad he took the matter so seriously. When Levert passed us again on his walk I spoke to him. "Now, my dear Levert, we will try our fortune with the foils if it pleases you." "No, my humor is past. Do you tiy with Broussard ; e; a woman. fortune with ABOARD LE DAUPHIN 22 methinks he had rather the better of you yesterday. You agree, Broussard?" "Yes, yes," he replied, eagerly, "let us at it." He fenced rather worse than usual, so I had no trouble in touching him as I pleased. This begat an irritation of manner, and noticing it I suggested we leave off. I He would not hear to it ; I saw the color slowly leave this face; his thin lips curled back and showed his teeth, I until, fearing a serious outbreak, I stepped back as if I I would lay aside the foil. He pressed me close, so close indeed I could not if I would drop my guard. He touched me once or twice. "I call the bout n draw," declared Levert, who had himself observed Broussard's unusual energy. "Nay, not so, not so; he gives back. I've much the better," and he lunged at me so vigorously I was forced to act with more aggression. The button snapped from the point of his foil; I cared not, and he affected not to see It, though something made me sure he realized his advantage. I determined now to show him a trick of my own. From my youth I had the peculiar faculty of using one hand quite as well as the other, and had often prac- ticed changing my sword swiftly from right to left. It was a simple feat, much more showy than difficult yet exceedingly bewildering to an adversary. In this in- stance it afforded me an easy means of reaching his undefended side. So I feigned to be driven back, and watching for a more headlong and careless rush my weapon was apparently twisted from my hand and for an u? -1, 1: ■II 1 ''ii K J- hm ill d ^V^,' -"'-H ^ ill M Hi 24 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED instant seemed to han^ suspended in the air. I caught It in my left and before he recovered his footing had thrown his foil from him, sending it whizzing overboard It took but an instant to press my point firmly against his chest, as he stood panting and disarmed. Never was man more surprised. "Bravely done," cried Levert. "A most foul and dishonorable trick," Achille snarled. "Not so," Levert corrected him gravely, looking at me to observe the effect of the insult. I stood still at guard, but made no move. ''Broussard, you are angry now, and I'll take no heed of your heated words. But to-morrow you must make a gentleman's amends." "Tash, tush," Levert interposed, " 'tis the quarrel of a child. He means nothing. " Broussard said no more, but looked surly and ill pleased. I was secretly elated at the success of my coup agamst such a skilled swordsman, and only remarked quietly ; "Broussard, when your anger has passed I trust you will do me the honor of an apology." Behind it all I cared little, for I felt myself his mas- ter with his chosen weapon and could afford to be gen- erous. He came up in very manly fashion, after a time and craved my forgiveness, but we played at foils no more. The lookouts were beginning to watch for land T growing more and more impatient as the end of our ick," Achille ABOARD LE DAUPHIN 25 voyage drew near. And now I had much leisure to contemplate, and wonder at the strange turn of fortune which had called upon me to play a part in the affairs of state, though what the drama was, and what my lines might be, I could only guess. The story of Colonel D'Ortez, too, furnished me much food for reflection these long starlit nights, when I sat in my favorite seat in the very prow of the vessel. There would I sit night after night, watching the phosphorescent waves rippling against the vessel, gleaming fitful in the gloom; there observe the steadfast stars, and seem alone with dark- ness and with God. One wet morning, pacing the slippery deck, the sail- ing master called to me : "See, sir, yonder dim outline to the nor'east? 'Tis the Norman coast; this night, God willing, we sleep in Dieppe." My errand now consumed my entire attention, so I thought no more of my companions of the voyage, bid- ding them both good-night before we had yet landed. t it if CHAPTER IV THE ROAD TO VERSAILLES AT the break of day, rumbling out of the little fish. ^ ^ ing village, I was surprised to see both Broussard and Levert astir as early as myself, each in a separate coach traveling the same direction. I thought it strange that they chose to go separately, and that neither had told me of his expected journey. However that might be, as ,t suited my purpose well to be alone, I disturbed not myself with pondering over it. Yet I wondered somewhat. The King and Court were at Versailles ; so Judging to find Serigny there I turned aside from my first intention and proceeded thither. I was shocked by the universal desolation of the country through which I passed. Was this the reverse side to ail the Grand Monarque^ s ^\oxy^ I had pictured la belle France as a country of wine of roses and of happy people. These ravaged fields, these squalid dens of misery, the sullen, despairing faces of the peasantry, all bore silent protest to the extrava- gances of Versailles. For the wars, the ambition and the mistresses of Louis had made of this fair land a desert. Through the devastated countiy roamed thou- sands of Gtarving people, gaunt and hungry as the wild (26) ■ :t THE ROAD TO VERSAILLES f the little fish, both Broussard in a separate )ught it strange lat neither had ver that might ne, I disturbed -t I wondered so judging to first intention '■ the universal passed. Was 2rgt(e's glory? y of wine, of d fields, these iring faces of the extrava- ambition and i fair land a oamed thou- y as the wild a; beasts of the forest; they subsisted upon such berries as they found, but durst not touch a stick of their lord's wood to thaw out their frozen bodies. Young as I was. and a soldier, the"sight of this wide- spread suffering appalled me, though being no philoso- pher I reasoned not to the cause. Yet this was the real France, the foundation upon which the King had reared the splendid structure of his pride. It was some time during the second day I think- when we passed a few scattering hovels which marked the approach to a village where we were to stop for din- ner At the foot of a little incline the horses shied vio- lently, and passed beyond the man's control. My driver endeavored in vain to quiet them, and then jumped from his box and ran to their heads. I looked out to see what the matter was, and observing a squad of soldiers Ihejround^ "^"''^ ^ '''"'°"''' ""^ ''"''^'''' ' 'P^""^ *° Down the hill they marched, some tenor fifteen fel- lows in a dirty half uniform, I knew not what it was while straggling out behind them seemed to follow the entire population of the hamlet. The old and gray- haired fathers, the mothers, the stalwart children and toddling babies, all came to stand and gape. I„ the lead there strode a burly ruffian, proud of his low authority who shouted at intervals : ' "So-with-the-H-u-g-u-e-n-o-t-s ! ' ' Behind him skulked four stout varlets, bearing be- tween them a rude plank, on which was stretched a naked body, the limbs being not yet stiffened in death * «i f! 28 THE BLACK WOLF's BREED ;M! I hard y credited my sight. Before they came abreast of us I mquired of the driver what it all meant He only shrugged his shoulders. "A dead Huguenot I suppose, ' ' and gave his care to the horses. Verily this was past belief. ^ I placed myself in the road and bade the leader of committed?'''" "' ''°' '^"°"' :^'^' ^"- ^^^^ ^« He, like the driver, answered carelessly: "None; she is a Huguenot." "S/ie" I echoed, and stopped the bearers who laid their ghastly burden down, having little relish in the task. Yes, it was in very truth a woman. "For the sake of decency, comrade, why do you not cover her and give her Christian burial?" "It is the law," he replied stolidly. "Yes, yes, it is the law," eagerly assented the peo- pie who gathered about the corpse, not as friends, not as mourners, but as spectators of the horrid scene Among them, unrebuked, were many white-faced chil- dren, half afraid and wholly curious. I looked at them all m disgust. They went their way and came to the outskirts of the village, where they contemptuously tossed the woman from the plank across a ditch into the open field. In spite of my loathing I had followed.' I perceived now a feeble old woman hobble up tOr ward the body and try with loud wailings to make her way through the guard which surrounded it. They 'Sktmoi THE ROAD TO VERSAILLES rime hath he 29 shoved her back with their pikes, and finally one of them struck her for her persistence. "Pierre, look at her old mother; ah, Holy Virgin, what a stubborn lot are these heretics." Her mother ! Great powers of heaven, could it be pos- sible? My indignation blazed out against the inhuman guard. ^ "Why do ye this most un-Christian thing?" and to the crowd: "Do you call yourselves men to stand by and witness this?" At my words one sturdy young fellow, of the better, peasant-farmer class, broke from those who held him and would have thrown himself unarmed against the mail-clad guard. Many strong arms kept him back. He struggled furiously for a while, then sank in the sheer desperation of exhaustion upon the road. As soon as he was quiet the mob, gathering about the more attractive spectacle, left him quite alone. I went up to him. laid my hand upon his shoulder, and spoke to him kindly. He looked up, surprised that one wearing a uniform should show him human sympathy. He had a good, honest face, blue-eyed and frank, yet such an expression of utter hopelessness as never marred a mortal countenance. It haunts me to this day. I was touched by the man's sullen apathy, succeed- ing so quickly to the desperate energy I had seen him display, and asked concerning his trouble. "Oh, God, Monsieur, my wife, Celeste, my young wife ! Only a year married, Monsieur. ' ' He raised upon I ( 'M k i 1 i 1 i nil I ^^H y iiiiiii ■ >:lf '1 : ll ' H' . 1 ( i 1 j 1 1 ■ 1 I i \ 1 1 1 H^H i 1 _ i ^^^^■1 1 hll nil- ' IH'' ^^^^^Hh if ^^^^^^^B ! 30 THE BLACK WOLF's BREED his elbow, taking my hand in both of his "W. . • ^ go; tried to reach En^hnH ' °\^'^' ^e tried to France; they brojhf.f ^^^^^^^ b. died-died. Monsieur, of crueitvln ^'"'"' ^^^ they cast her out h-lce some uTcntMn 'T""' ^'^" so good Onit, 1 1 7 ""*^'^^" *hing; she. so pure Deeply pained by his miserv ^nA ^u \ thing. I made my way to The fit ^''°' °' '^^ lay. ^ ^ ''^°"'' "^^*" where the body "What is this foul law of whinU me?" ^"^^" you spoke? Tell and b.>ds wi« provide her properXrHe.-^'^ "^^^'^ The bruta, ehron, a^a^^ttT.. "^ -"»'>' ^P"^" ■ Heads!rr;rr;;,r"''^'^>'-"'^-^*^'> THE ROAD TO VERSAILLES 31 "And what is the penalty should the hand of charity take this woman from the highway?" " On pain of death." "Then death let it be," screamed her husband, and breaking through the line of guard, he threw himself upon his wife, protecting her with his pitying garments. Whilst I had been talking to the officer, no one ob- served the man come stealthily to the front, coat in hand, until, seeing his chance, he broke through their line. But these staunch upholders of the law would not have it so. They tore him viciously away, and I, sickened, turned from a revolting struggle I could do nothing to prevent. All these long years have not dimmed the memory of that barbarous scene. > it i I !i L!'i! >■ vm !|ii M;;r. CHAPTER V THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES TaTthrPl''' Ta °" ''' '°"^^' ^^^ -h^n I flighted I ward Z , """■" ''y ""= offi"" of the guard. However, I made- bold to seem at ease anH a^ustomed to court as I addressed the oLr:,:^: bu:;'e:: Stt"""' ^"' '° "• "^ ^"^"y^ ^ -ave The man smiled, I knew not at what, and regarded me curiously. I felt mv »»,.» a i. t r^garaed question. ^. " ""*' ''•" "-^P^^'^d the SeeL^him'l^h"'^"^'" "' '^P"^"' "" "'* *« court (32) "gny? I have THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES 33 Pressed more for bridals than for battles. I held my seace though, walking steadily onward as directed, yet -hing to stick my sword into some of their dainty t'rap- )ings. At the door I came upon a great throng of loungers playing at dice, some throwing and others lay- ing their wagers upon those who threw. Standing somewhat aloof was a slender young fellow »:ho wore the slashed silver and blue of the King's own juard— I knew the colors well from some of our older officers in the Provincial army. They hcid told me of Imen, soldiers and hard fighters, too, wearing great friz- Izled wigs outside their n itural hair, with ruffles on their [sleeves and perfuaied laces at their throats— but I had generally discredited such tales. Here was a man Jdressed more gaily than I had ever seen a woman in my |childhood— and he seemed a fine, likely young fellow, Jtoo. I fear I examined him rather critically and with- lout Droper deference to his uniform, for he turned upon [me angrily, catching my glance. "Well, my good fellow, didst never see the King's colors before? Where hast thou lived then all these [years?" He seemed quite as much amused at my plain forest garb, leggings and service cap, as I had been at his silken trumpery. I replied to him as quietly as might be: "In our parts beyond the seas we hear often of the King's Guard, but never have my eyes rested upon their I uniform before." Observing my shoulder s^ransli a .inh''«<- — » f--- j j inquired : 3— BliACK WOLP ' ' i < ' "')< ■ I \ i^,. ^ii m •^K 'in ^r lyf. li |i i: If^^^ 34 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED "Thou bearestthe rank of captain?" "Aye, comrade, in the service of the King in his province of Louisiana. I pray you direct me to the apartments of M. de Serigny, I would have speech with him." He was a manly young lad, of soldierly bearing too despite his effeminate dress; he turned and himself guided me through the many intricate halls and pass- ages until we reached a door which he pointed out as Serigny's, where, with polite speeches, he left me alone Monsieur was out, at what business the servant did not know, but would return at two of the clock. In the meantime I sought to amuse myself strolling about the place. I knew I could find my way along the bayou paths of Louisiana the darkest night God ever sent, for there at least I would have through the trees the glimmer of a friendly star to guide me. But here in the King's pal- ace of Versailles, with the winding passages running hither and yonder, each as like the other as twin gaunt- lets, I lost myself hopelessly. Clanking about alone over the tiles in great deserted corridors I grew almost frightened at my own noise un- til I passed out into an immense gallery, gaily deco- rated, and thronged with the ladies and gentlemen of the court. I could not make much sense of it all except It seemed greatly painted up, especially overhead, and nearly every figure bore the face of the King. From the windows I could see a strange forest where every tree grew in the shape of some odd beast or bird King in his ct me to the e speech with bearing, too, and himself lis and pass- inted out as eft me alone. 2 servant did 3ck. In the ng about the bayou paths nt, for there jlimmer of a King's pal- ges running twin gaunt- THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES 35 being set in long rows, and among them were white images of some substance like unto the Holy Mother at the shrme m Montreal. Some of these graven stones were m semblance of men with horns and goats' lees and some of warrior women with plumed helms upon sSts ^'"^ ' "^"'""^'"^ "^"'^ "* '^''^ ^^^4" The pert little lads who idled about the hall began to make sport of me concerning my dress, and laughed greatly at their own wit. I paid no heed to their Ll- ish gibes, there being no man among them. It irked me more than good sense would admit, and I left the hall, and after many vain endeavors made my way out into the open air-being right glad to breathe again without a roof above my head. milrr '"/' '"'! '""^"^ '" '^''' gay gallants who mmced and paced along like so many string-halted nags. It was said the King walked much in that way and so, forsooth, must all his lords and ladies go Per- haps ,t was the fashion of the court, but I stuck'to the only ga,t i knew, a good, honest, swinging stride which could cover fifteen leagues a day at a pinch. Off to one side the water kept leaping up into the air as I am told the spouting springs do in the Dacotah country. I walked that way and was soon lost in won- derment at the contemplation of a vast bronze basin filled with curious brazen beasts, half men half fishes he like of which I had never seen. Some had horns from which they blew sparkling streams; others astride Of strange sea monsters plunged about and cast up jets 0,:-n ■'11 ■* I §¥■: -H 3<5 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED '41 I ll^^'Tu' !.' '" "^'^^ '° '""^^ "*^''«^ ' ^^^rcely heard a voice behind me say ; ^ ^ 'Til lay a golden Louis his coat is of as queer a cut maybe"' garment-whatever its outlandish name * 'Done, ' ' said another voice. I gave no heed, thinking they meant not me, until a dapper httle chap, all plumed and belaced, stepped „ front of me with a most lordly air. ontflT' ^"'"f ' ""u" '" '^y '""°^^" ^"^ behind me rang out the merry laugh at such a famous jest back full gladly would I have retired, had not theyoung braggart swaggered to my front again and persisted: l^riend, let us see the cut of thy coat " We men of the forest accustomed to the rough ways of a camp, and looking not for insult, are slow to anger Mes" "' ^"""'"^^ '' ""'^^^ ^^' ^^^^"^^ «* th; "And wherefore?" ''Because I say so. sir." he replied, most arrogantly and stampmg his foot, "cast off thy cloak that we may I still stood undecided, scarce knowing what to think and bemg ignorant of fashions at court. De Brienne-^ for that was his nam^mistaking my hesitation, ad- vanced and laying his hand upon my cloak would have torn it off, had I not brushed him aside so vigorously he stumbled and fell to the ground. I had no thought of using strength sufficient to throw ent to throw THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES 37 him down. He sprang up instantly, and. furious, drew his sword. I felt my own wrath rise at sight of cold steel-it was ever a way of mine beyond control-and asked him hotly : "How is it affair of thine what manner of coat I wear? He made no reply, but. raising his arm. said, ttien- acinply ; ' Now. clown, show thy coat, or I'll spit thee like a I glanced around the circle at the blanched faces of the ad.es, seeing such a serious turn to their jest and >• n ^' 1 38 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED I! iim p l!ii'i,i m\ m young coxcomb of Orleans," he continued, addressing that dissolute Prince: "How dare you, sir. lead such a throng of revellers into the King's own gardens? Is not your own house of debauchery sufficient for Your Grace? Have a care, young sir, I am yet the King and thou mayest never be the Regent." The Duke simulated his profound \ .^gret, but when Louis back was turned made a most unprincely and most uncourtly grimace at his royal uncle, which set them all a-laughing. Whereat all these noble lords and ladies made great pretense of gravity, and ostenta- tiously held their handkerchiefs before their mouths to hide their mirth. Already these satellites began to desert the sinking to attach their fortunes to those of the rising sun I marvelled at this, for the name of Louis had been held in almost Godlike reverence by us in the colonies. Mean- while he had turned to me. "Well said, young man; thou hast a loyal tongue." "And a loyal master, sire," for it needed not the mention of his name to tell me I faced the King. That face, stamped on his every golden namesake, had been familiar to me since the earliest days of my childhood "Thy name, sir?" Kingly still, though a little l.xit. for he was now well past sixty, Louis stood in his high-heeled shoes tapping the ground impatiently with a long cane, his flowing coat fluttering in the wind. For a period I completely lost my tongue, could see nothing but the blazing cross of the Holy Ghost, the red order of St. Louis, upon the THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES 39 Monarch's breast, could hear nothing but the grating of h,s cane agamst the gravel. Yet I was not ashanfed for a brave sold.er can proudly fear his God, his con^ science and his King. '.'pit^-rr'iv?" "'"■'"'' <'=™«"ded, "dost hear?" Placde de Mouret, Captain of Bienville's Guards Provmce of Louisiana, may it please you, sire," 1st ■„: mered out. * ••Attend me at the morning hour to-morrow." and he strutted away from the giggling crowd too would have turned o«, had not my late antago- nist proven himself a man at heart. He quickly mof^ toward me holding out his hand in reconciliation. task thy pardon, comrade; I too am a soldier Aoughbut an indifferent one in these peaceful tmes We mistook thee, and I humbly ask thy pardon," course I could bear no malice against the fellow '"™ds. First among these, de Brienne presented me to His Royal Highness, the Duke of Orleans Ttt Prince of the Blood and the coming Regent of F;a„c " and a i', • '"''f ""' ^'™" "* ^'"^'-^ «">Pl>='='X man, a cripple, who, the center of a more sedate grouo was we,, within hearing. The deformed Duke of Ee' thought, rival of Orleans for the Regency Th^ 'aMedlandofgold-^d%tt"onrrr°RiS: ;m m^ ^H 1 ' :; 1 '''is- H 1 ^^^^^^^B •'I ■ 'I l( 1 : j: 1 li t- m i j:l M ■ in 1^1 ' ilii ! ! ^^^^H ' ill i 1 li Ml ■ ^^^^^^1 ^ ^^^^^H ^ ^^^^^R 1 ( ;■( ' 'i 1 ■. II MV' m i H! ' ^Hll ■i' ' liii 40 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED glad was I when one of the gallants pointed out a thoughtful lookhig gentleman who walked slowly through the eastern gate. "There is M. de Serigny, a brother of Bienville, your Governor." "That de Serigny?" I repeated, "then I must leave you. for I would speak with him." and I bowed myself off with what grace I could muster, knowing naught of such matters. A brisk walk fetched me to Serigny's side. In a few wc ds I comnunicated my mission His quick, incisive glance took in every detail of my dress and appearance, but his features never changed. "Wait, my dear Captain," he drawkd out, with a pohte wave of his perfumed handkerchief, "time for business after a wh'le. Let us enjoy the beauties of the garden." My spirits fell. Could this be a brother of the stern Bienville, this the man upon whom my governor's fortunes now so largely depended? His foppish manner impressed me very disagreeably, and, in no pleasant frame of mind, I stalked along by his side listening to the senseless gossip of the court. We soon passed out of the gardens into the great hall, and reached his own apartments. No sooner was the valet dismissed and the key turned in the lock than his face showed the keenest interest After satisfying himself of my identity and glancing through the packet which I now handed him, he gave vent to an exclamation of intense relief. "Not a day too soon, my dear Captain, not a day THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES 4, not a day, not a day. ' ' he kept repeating over and over looking at the different documents. • 'The King prom- ises to act on this matter in a few days, to-morrow, probably. Chamillard is against us; he seems all pow- erful now ; the King loves him for his truculence. But tnese will help, yes, these will help." And again he ran through the various papers with business-like swift- ness His fashionable air and the perfumed handker- chief were alike laid aside. Now I could see the re- semblance between him and his sturdy brother thiT"TT' r"' *°""^°^'-°^' ^y lad-pardon me the familiarity. Captain de Mouret," he apologized waiving aside my hand raised in protest. "To-morrow we must act. We must gain the King's own ear These must not go through the department of war. Chamil- lard w^I poison the King's mind against us. Most likely they would never reach the King at all Louis will hardly listen to me even now " ''You?'' he repeated in unconcealed astonishment, ves. I I replied, for I was now well into it. and determined to wade through; besides I loved m^ old commander, and would venture much in his service Ihen I told Serigny of the occurrence in the garden or en h ^o let him understand why I was summoned to the morning audience. 'Thonart lucky, lad; here half a day and already ^^- nt witn tiic iving. "Yes" \\t» mused haU aloud, '.Louis likes such things, he grows . '-J '0^^ '■ - - #' - ,;:-f mmimi ■'£•; '■ l^m li^"'^ nn m-c. I ^i i i : ,■" i :M .•'! (I "-^ 4tf III ii^-;;iii II I i ii I THE BLACK WOLF's BREED I would gain the greater credit by unearthing the whole affair and divulging it at one time. "We have some rdiable fellows in Paris ^nA T •„ -«d such ie«„s as .,1, p„, ..,„ ;„ ;osse Sn o, a i t nformat,o„ they have. You and they, I trust ca" d S « ^1^7^ :.„:::Th"^ "■'' ™'"^"- what Kf.i. 1, , ' '" ™'"^ '° 'he King, we would lose what httle hold we now have upon him. It is not a easy or an agreeable task. The Spanish spy bears t name of Came Yvard, a man ol good birth but a Jm bier and a proflieate H» ;. i, , ^'°'" 1.. > II '^ ""'«'''^- "e IS known throughout Paris as a reckless gamester, but no man dare question hZ because o. his marvellous skill with the' swl^ „; spends much of his time at Bertrand's wine and card rooms, though he has the .„,... at some of the mo^ Mames exclusive Villa of Sceaux. But thereb han^ h,s employment; we do not know how far 2 -ne ,s mvolved in this intrigue with Spain and ite- Verily I felt encouraged as Serigny unfolded his charmmg plans for my entertainment. I^ ast^ngtc , to hunt up and dispossess a man like this o pap ' wh.h would hang him. A delightful undertaking^ mu;":iitThe'pTea::r:o;rk"'" ''" ^^'"^■•"- ^^ Win renew thistwe^^to-mo^rr^r^.^''-^^-'-^^^''- ^' That night I lodged with Serig ny. •' I y CK'/i'ifiR VI n LOUIS XIV pVEN at this time I remember how nervous I was Lr when I dressed for my interview with the King. What it was for, or how it might result, I could form no idea, so I did not trouble myself with vain thinking. Promptly at ten I presented myself at that famous door which led to the room where Louis held his morning levee. Already the approaches were crowded, and the officer on watch was busy examining passes and requests for admission. Some there were who passed haughtily in without even so much as a glance at the guard or the crowd which parted obsequiously to let them through Most probably favorites of the King, or perchance his ministers. When he reached me the officer of the guard, noting my uniform, inquired: "Captain de Mouret of Louisiana?" "Yes." "You are to be admitted, sir," and I found myself ushered immediately through the opening ranks of Swiss mercenaries into the audience chamber of the King. Louis no longer held his levees in the great vaulted chamber into which I was first shown, but in a smaller (47) M *n ill I "' iJi! I If i 'i't! i i !' 'If iH iii'i 48 THE BLACK WOLF's BREED and more sombre room, that of de Maintenon. The character and dress of those present reflected with a chameleon's fidelity the change in His Majesty's habits Madame sat near the King, working upon a piece of tapestry which, when she was interested in what went on, lay ,dle in her lap. Behind her chair stood the sour-visaged Jesuit confessor, Letellier. Death, which spared not even the Bourbon, had taken away the Dauphin and his son; leaving as the King s successor, an infant yet in his cradle. This em^ b.ttered every thought of the King's declining years made him gloomy, petulant and querulous. And yej there were many men still about him capable of uphold- ing the dignity of the throne. I heard announced, on. after the other. Grand Marshal Villars. lately placed in command of all the armies of France; the Duke ol ^avoy, a famous soldier, but a deserter from the En- ghsh ; the brothers de Noailles, one bearing a Marshal's baton the other, cold, cynical, austere, robed in churchly garments. Archbishop of Paris. There were Villeroi, de Tourville, the admiral; and Marshal Tal- lard-he who lost the bloody field of Blenheim to the Englishman Churchill. I confess I was abashed at the sound of so many great names, and advanced in hesitating fashion across the floor, to kneel before the King. ^^ ''Tut. tut, Captain de Mouret," he said, kindly, "Rise, we would hear somewhat from you touching matters in our Province of Louisiana, and particularly of their safety in case of war— say. with Spain." ! '■■■ity LOUIS XIV 49 He then asked a few questions about things familiar to me, which put me quite at ease. What 1 said I can scarce at this time recollect, but I know I spoke with all a soldier's enthusiasm of my beloved commander, of his diplomacy in peace, of his war-won successes. It did not pass unnoticed that many a venomous glance was shot towards me from that little group be- hind the King, but in the King's presence I feared noth- • ing, and spoke on, unrestrained. Once a tall man whom I took to be Chamillard in- terrupted ; the King motioned me to proceed, and I told him all the strength and resources of the colonies, their weakness and their needs. When I thought I had fin- ished, the King's face hardened, and looking me straight in the eye, he inquired : "What is this I hear of Bienville's presuming to criti- cise me—me, Louis, his King— for contemplating such a disposition of the colonies as suits my royal pleasure? Can you tell me that as glibly, sir?" For the moment I was astounded and had no word to say. I could see a faint smile run round the circle as they exchanged glances of intelligence. Serigny was right. The spy had already arrived. Kis eavesdrop- ping news had reached the King. In my indignation I forgot the man I addressed was the Imperial Louis. Defending my master I spoke vigorously the truth, and that right earnestly. ^ "Your Majesty is a soldier, and will forgive a soldier's biunt speech, i beg you, Sire, to consider the services and the sorrows of Bienville's people, the loyal le 4— Black Wolf ill . f r'.U m i ' ti I i 1 1 1 iP'liifj 1 . --'n ;-: ii f!ji|;; i"i!!ji| ■ : ■■ ' i i 1 f h 1 ': ■1 iili; so THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED Moynes. Where rests his father? Where his valiant brothers, Ste. Helene and Mericourt? Dead, and for the silver lilies! Where's Iberville, the courteous, the brave; he who ravaged the frozen ocean and the tropic seas in his royal master's name? Dead, Sire, of the pestilence in San Domingo. Does the King not re- member his good ship Pelican? Has the King forgot- ten^ Iberville? Hast forgotten thine own white flag cruising on thine enemy's coast, borne down by four vessels of superior weight? Did the Eagle stretch her wings to escape the Lion? Did the Silver Lilies flee before St. George's Cross? No, by the deathless glory of the Bourbon, no ! And who was he that dared— following the example of his King, the Conqueror of the Rhine— who was he that dared meet such enemies and engage such odds? Whose was that boyish face of thirty, waving his curls upon the quarter deck, with the noble front of a very God rf War? Iber- ville ! Who is he that brushes away a tt ur to gaze upon his stripling brother beside the guns, soon to be exposed by his command to such a fearful danger? Iberville, again ! Who is that fiery soldier, recking nothing save his duty, who seeth without a tremor that beloved brother lying mangled at his post, where the storms of hell do rage, and flames consume the dead? Who, when the enemy lay dismantled, their hulks afire, theii colors struck, their best ships sunk, when the glo- rious standard of France triumphant dallied with the breeze— who is that dauntless gentleman who kneels LOUIS XIV !'i 51 upon his battle-riven but victorious deck and sobs aloud in agony above his writhing brother? Who is this stricken gentleman, who, having won that most heroic fight for his King, now prints a kiss, as a tender maiden might, upon the pale lips of a dying lad? Ah, Sire, it was Iberville, it was Iberville, my King, Iberville the gentle, Iberville the true! Hast thou forgotten that wounded lad who lived to serve his King so well on other fields? Dost remember his name? Let me re- mind you. Sire, that lad was Bienville de la Chaise, your loyal governor of Louisiana. Did the King but know the trials and sufferings of my master in upholding the royal authority, he would forgive him much. Nor do I fear to say it even here, that those men who seek his downfall would as lief line their wallets with Spanish doublocns as with honest Louis d'or. De la Vente, the renegade priest, the center of itrife and discontent in the colonies, traffics with the Indians and brings oppro- brium upon your Majesty's name. It is he or la Salle who sends this idle tale— la Salle, who, from your Majesty's commissary, supplies this de la Vente with his merchandise. Who their friends are here to tell your Majesty these tales, I care not. Saving the royal pres- ence, I would be pleased to discuss the matter with them elsewhere. ' ' "Thou art a bold lad," observed the King. I had noted his eyes flash, and the thin nostrils dilate at mention of the passage of the Rhine; so, emboldened by the surety of success, I kept my own courage up. "Aye, Sire, truth need have no fear from the great- ! t 1 ;ti ;. .11 w 111 - ■HJJHii il mSf 1 m/m"' ' . ► •■"^ 1 m^" • i 1 li 52 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED h est of all the Bourbons. Bienville is a soldier, not a courtier, and stung beyond endurance by the threat enemies that thev would yet beguile your o2 his enemies that they would Majesty to sell your fair Province of Louisiana, and turn the royal barracks into a peddler's shop — mayhap he did use some such hot and thoughtless expressions to me. These, some spy may have overheard and for- warded here t^is hurt. If it please you to hear the words, I will repeat them upon the oath of an officer." "Go on," he commanded drily. "Bienville did say it was a matter of shame to forego such a broad domain wherein lay so much wealth, be- cause of present troubles. It is his ambition to found there a new empire in the west, to add a brighter glory to the name of Bourbon, to plant the silver lilies upon the remotest boundaries of the earth, calling it all Louis- iana, a mighty continent, without a rival and without a frontier. Ah ! Your Majesty has in Bienville a strong heart and a firm hand, a man who prefers to devote his life to your service, rather than live at ease in France; a man who carries more scars for his King than your Majesty has fingers— poorer to-day than when he en- tered your service, though others about him have grown rich." I told him, too, without reserve, of the contemplated Indian attack in the spring, of my own haste to return. His face lighted up with the fire of his thought : "Then, by my faith," he broke in, "you need a bold, ambitious soldier for your Governor. What think you, Villars, Chamillard— gentlemen?" LOUIS XIV 53 None dared oppose the King. "I overheard you, Captain, in the gardens yesterday, and think the master who has taught you such senti- ments is a man the King of France can trust. Convey to the trusty and well beloved Governor of our Province of Louisiana our renewed confidence, with our assur- ance he is not to be disturbed. We make you our royal messenger for the purpose. ' #^ Then he gravely inclined his head to signify the inter- view was done. As soon as I decently could I left the royal presence and repaired at once to Serigny. I found him still in his apartments waiting me with every appearance of in- tense impatience. Almost as I rapped he had opened the door himself. The valet had been dismissed. My face— for I was yet flushed with excitement— told of our victory. He grasped my hand in both his own and asked : "We have won? Tell me, how was it?" "Aye, sir, and nobly. I have the King's own war- rant that our Governor is not to be disturbed." Every shade of anxiety vanished, and he laughed as unafifectedly as a girl. "Thou art a clever lad; but tell me of it, tell me of it!" I told him then of the audience, neglecting not the minutest detail, not even the black looks of those who thronged about the King. "Chamillard's doing, and Crozat. Crozat the par- ?»» ■'I ■I'll ,f tl ■ ill t "I -ti B. Il'Lllil 54 i I If i ii' ii 1 * I , w THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED venu— Marquis du Chatel, forsooth, with his scissors and yardstick for devJcc." He questioned me closely concerning the netscnages present, and what they sa;d. After hiving heard on to the end he was quite composed arsd broachtd agam the subject of the previous night. "Weil, Cnptain " he commenced, half banteringly, ''li Uiou hast dortc thy conferences with the King, we ,va« talk of your next adventure. Time presses, and you see from what Louis said, our enemies are already at work." I hearkened with many misgivings, for I felt of a truth uncertain of myself in this new character— and shall I confess it— a trifle ill at ease concerning this bravo, Carne Yvard, the duelist of the iron hand, and the gamester with the luck of the devil. However, I put upon myself a steadfast front and listened. "We have a fine lad at Paris in our service," said Serigny, "and with him four as staunch fellows as ever dodged a halter. De Greville— Jerome de GrevUle— has his lodgings in Rue St. Denis, at the sign of the Austrian Arms. The host is a surly, close-mouthed churl who will give you little information until he knows you well. Then you may rely upon him. Jerome has been watching our quarry these many weeks ; we hold him in easy reach, as a bait to cc -'i his accomplice. Then we will put them both wher .: y can spy upon us no ^-)nger. I desire them to be taken alive if possi- ble, ^>T;r by all the gods, they vihu Jiang." Verily, this was a pleasant ad/c iture for me to con- LOUIS XIV 55 template, taking alive such a desperado, who handled his sword like a hell-born imp. "I would not expose you to this," continued Se- rigny, "but for the stern necessity that those papers should reach me unopened. They are to be delivered to you, and I hold you responsible. You understand?" I bowed my acquiescence. Then he went on, talking more at ease, though I was far from placid at the prospect. He told me of the dif- ferent streets, the lay of the town, and the various men with whom I would be thrown. "Beyond all," and in this I afterward acknowledged his foresight, "do not neglect the women, for their hands now wield the real power in France.' I must own I thought more on the nature of my new errand than on what he was saying. I felt no small de- gree of distrust, yet, for my honor's sake, keot it to myself. "And when shall I set out for Paris?" I asked. "To-day; at once. Le Dauphin has already lain four days at anchorage, and we know for a surety that the expected spy has come. We can not act too promptly." And so it came about that I left within the hour. A carriage had been made ready, and I bade Serigny good-bye in his own rooms. He feared our being seen together too frequently about the palace. "But one other thing, my lad," he stopped me as I would go, "you must need have other garb than that. Your harness of the wilderness but ill befits a gay ■J! I ! H hi 'N till 56 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED S I' I- ') I li f I I i I, ' ^! VlQ m m 'ii ' i gallant in Paris— for such you must now appear You visit the capital to see the sights, understand; a coun- try gentleman— GreviUe will instruct you, the rascal has naturally a turn for intrigue and masquerading A dress like yours would mark you apart from the throng and perchance draw upon you the scathe of idle tongue Here is gold to array yourself as becomes a well-to-do gentleman, and gold to spend at wine and on the games withal— for, thank Providence, the ancient House of Lemoyne is not yet bankrupt." I fain would not take his proffered coins, but he urged them upon me with such insistency that I, seeing the good sense of doing as I was bid, placed them in my meager purse, and with a light heart I set out upon my doubtful journey. The fear of which I spoke died away, for since our success with the King, my spirits rose, and I deemed all things possible. Besides, was I not in the personal service of my beloved commander who never knew a fear ? * * • # The postilion whipped up his horses, and we turned towards the old city of Paris, that treasure-house of varied fortunes whence every man might draw his lot— of poverty or riches, of fame or obscurity, of happiness or misery— as chance and strength directs. M' ' ' 4. Since our CHAPTER VII AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS TT was w' ■ 'J Ki ' . -f ' B' ^ K K ^'1 1 t t 1 i'. n } ft 1^, . 1. jrit-j-'j j:'x. hL4'I 58 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED .;i!i!!^ fjl ,.i., 'iii|i flit m "Here, my good man," I called to him, "dost know anything of this Jerome de Grevilie ? Where is he ?" "By our La' ,_ ^ ,>, T knovr him not. Paris isa great city, and many noble gentlemen come and so at their will." ^ "But M. de Grevilie lodges with you, I am told. My business is urgent." "I do not recall such a name? Jerome de Grevilie?" and the rascal turned his eyes to the ceiling in the atti- tude of deep contemplation. I smiled inwardly. "If it please you, sir, to write your name in my guest book, should Ucn^eur de Grevilie call T will show h nim. You may tell me where you can be found, '* He fetched out a worn and greasy book from a chest in the rear, and handed me a pen, watching, as I thought, with some interest, what name I would write though I much questioned if he could read it. I pushed the book aside, "Oh, .^ matters ot, my name; it is an obscure one ant I. de Grevilie would not recall it. See I 're my good^ fellow, here is a gold piece to aid thy memorv At w at hour will M de Gre\t[le return?" He took the coin, and turning it cv.t and over in his palm, said, as if to ?f "If Monsieu- vill v jte a note and leave it I will send to other in a see if such . man be in Paris Monsieur is of Ca.,cony?" he ventured. The Gascons were at this time regarded with distrust It was such an easy matter for them to carry news into i>pam, being on the border. AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS 59 I soon found there was nothing to be gained from the fellow, and becoming convinced of his steadfastness was Willing he should keep the coin as earnest money for future services. De Greville not coming in, I grew restive, and concluded I would stroll about the city Claude, for so the land'-rd styled himself, directed me to the principal thoroughfare, and I thought by walking straight along one street I could easily return. There was nothing unusual in the neighboring buildings to make a landmark of. so I chose a great round tower not far away, and carefully laid my bearings from that The landlord watched me taking my observations and fctsure I would shortly return; the more so that my few articles of apparel and necessity were left stowed in the corner by his hearth. These I had purposely s. ar- rar d that I could detect any meddling. Throwing my ak about me I took the way he indicated, and soon passed into a wider and more handsome street which I came afterward to know. Walking idly on' without thought of distance or direction. I ti j after a while, and began to think of getting back to tiie inr f , - side. I retraced my steps perfectly, I thought, and if my calculations were right should have stood where the broad, well-lighted street I had traversed corners on Rue bt. Denis. But the locality was entirely strange, and I had lost sight of the great tower which I thought would guide me home, when a squad of the watch halted me and questioned my errand. "I am a gentlei lan and r plied with such an air they passed on ^^E- -1^^ L 1 ' H Ir 60 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED Ir ^ '.?i "I pray you, gentlemen, direct me to the Rue St. Denis, thence I can find my way. ' ' The man gave me directions which simply confused me, and, ashamed to confess my ignorance, I blundered on to where five or six narrow, crooked streets ran to- gether, branching out like the fingers from my palm I paused now uncertain which way to go amid so many devious courses, and deciding almost at hazard, turned down the best paved of all those dingy streets. . I had hardly gone past more than two cross streets, when there stood at a corner, looking timidly this way and that a slight girl, with blonde hair and eyes of Breton blue' She seemed so brave, yet so out of place and helpless at that hour of the night, on such an unfrequented road I almost made so bold as to address her, thinking I might be of service to a lady in distress. But my tongue was not formed for such well chosen words and polite phrases, so I merely held to one side, she standing to the outer edge to admit of my passage. At the moment I got opposite her, it seems she had misjudged the width of the pavement, for I heard her give a slight ejaculation, and one foot slipped off the paved way as if she would fall into the muddy street I passed my arm quickly about her, and raised her to a place of safety, but even then could bring no word of courtly elegance to my assistance. She thanked me prettily and daintily, and as I pur- sued my course, I could but turn and give yet another glance in her direction. She caught my eye, and again looking each way jent her steps down a by- ^; ,11 AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS 61 way leading off to the left, which we were that instant nearest. There was that in her manner, I could not say exactly what, which led me to follow her at a respectful distance, seeing which she turned her head, and I fancied I could observe a thankful little smile playing about her lips. At any rate she quickened her pace and walked with more assurance, no longer in doubt about her movements. For many rods at times she would be lost to view in the dark, and her tread was so light it scarcely made a sound— or the great, clumsy clattering I created drowned it entirely. Just at the time I thought I had lost her, I could catch a glimpse of a flitting skirt beneath one of the flambeaux, which, stuck in niches of the wall here and there, lighted old Paris. In a very pleasant frame of mind, I strode along be- hind her. It was wonderful, I thought, how readily a woman's intuition recognizes a protector. And I for I must admit I was young then; in the ways of women, far younger than my years— I amused myself with many conjectures concerning what manner of errand had taken this young woman abroad alone on such a night. A lady she plainly seemed. Disguised a little, that might be, for her quiet dignity did not fully com' port with the style of her dress. A thousand airy castles I built for my fair heroine to live in, and I, like the knightly heroes of the Crusades, was ever her defender, ever her champion in the lists. Busied with these fancies and romantic thoughts, I lost count of streets and passages, turning this way, 11 H'« Kl ■id i' p; r: k ■lil ■ Mil 'i:, :::1il ,1 ' -il '"^:l i 4 ^4 62 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED that and the other, through many narrow and tortu- lost 'w>H '"' y^- ""'" ' '''"''" ' "- "opeSy lost. W,th my fa,r guide in front and my good sword by my s,de lightly I recked of streets or houses. Y« I dared not forget I was on an errand for the Governo and must not expose myself to bootless peril • At last, and somewhat to my relief, she stopped be- fore a great oaken iron-studded gate, possibly 'of five good paces wdth, in one corner of which vvas cut a mailer door so low a man must stoop to pass. Upon th. smal^r door she rapped and stood in'the attitS I had a moment now to look about me. It was in a quarter of the town that was forbidding. Here were two h„ge dismal gray-stone mansions,'separatrd b^ cr rt-yard of probably forty paces across; a high wall fronted the street, flanked by a tower o; either ^d the gate. On top, this wall was defended by bits of broken ghss and spikes of steel, stuck into the ma- sonry wh,le .t was yet soft. More than this the flicker- mg braz:er would not permit me to see. All of this I ZJ\T I ! " '""'^ *" '''''' "-^ -""^kiness of he „,ght shut out my view. She rapped again, impa- fently, but in the same manner as before. At S. »pace thereafter the smaller door was opened, whoever was .ns,de haying first peeped out through a round hole The tr 'T.T ' ^"""^ "° '"■^^- '"- "4: The lady looked first to me, then stepped inside L^ stood back as if she bade me enter. ^ This was an advEnture I had not bargained for. ,j.3 AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS 63 Thinking only to see that the lady reached her destina- tion in safety, here was a complication of which I had never dreamed. What her singular errand was, or wherein she desired my assistance. I could not even hazard a guess. Yet there she stood and beckoned me to enter, and I moved forward a pace or two so I could see within the door. The concierge held the door ajar, and a more repul- sive, deformed wretch I never laid eyes upon His left arm hung withered by his side; at his girdle he swung a bunch of keys, with any one of which a strong man might have brained an ox. Every evil passion which curses the race of men had left its imprint upon his low- ering countenance. Yet for a moment, when his gaze rested upon the girl, it was as though some spark of her lovehness drove the villainy from his face. He was hardly so tall as she who stood beside him watching me the semblance of a mocking sneer about her lips. Look- ing past them both I could see what nianner of place it was. A smoky oil-lamp sputtered in the rear, suffi- ciently distinct to disclose the paved court-yard, cov- ered with the green slime which marks the place where no sun ever shines. Further than this I could see noth- ing except the tall gray buildings which shut in every side and this wall in front. That door once locked upon the intruder there would be no easy egress. In- stinctively I held back "Monsieur is afraid?" she inquired, then tossed back her head, and laughed such ^ low, disdainful, mean laugh, as fired my every nerve to hear. I hesitated no 'i ! 1 ' >'M III -.. ■■ ,^ ii'""''''"'!^ ^ ''1 1 1 I ''■i: I 64 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED longer. Let come what will, let the Governor's errand look to Itself, for no man or no woman could ever laueh at me like that. Holding my blade at easy command, I stepped in- side. Immediately the door closed, and the rasping of the key told me it was securely locked as before Then came regret, but came too late. What I had so foolishly commenced, I must now see finished The cup had been taken in hand and the dice must be thrown. As we came, I followed her again, though at much closer range. We crossed the yard diagonally, across the broken panes, bits of casks, wine bottles and other refuse scattered about. I liked not the aspect of the place. As the girl was about to enter a door leading inside the building, a man came down the inner stairs and passed out, coming in our direction. For the mo- ment he was under the light I had good sight of him A rather low, dark fellow, dressed in the height of the fashion, yet somewhat flashily withal; not too fop- pish, he was evidently a young gallant of the better class. He staggered somewhat from wine, and carried a magnificent breadth of shoulder, denoting considerable strength. This was my mental catalogue from the glimpse I caught. By this time, the lady had got rather within the range of the light; the man came straight at her and to my amazement, despite her struggles, seized and kissed her. This was before I could reach them. I was upon him in an instant. Anntha,- ^^a u- u.j n AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS 65 reeled back against the «,all, drawing his weapon as he (ell. He recovered his feet, my blade met his; yet each paused well knowing the deadly lotteo^ of such a duel in the dark, ' The lady ran up as nearly between us as she dared and besought: "aicu, "Oh Messires Messires," she plucked me by the sleeve, "do not fight; there is no need of it ■> "Get out of the way you impudent hussy," he com- rndt'is. " "'■" '""' '"''''"' '°-' «^^ '"^ ™Z I went at him in earnest. His further insult to her made every muscle a cord of steel. ! soon found this no mere sport, for the fellow was a thorough master of h"s weapon. I was a trifle the taller and had a longer reach .h,s w,th my heavier blade, gave me well the'vantagt' Besjes I had touched no wine, and my nerves wf« However, I had the light full in my face, and he was not slow to see the annoyance it caused me I kneZ o.ld not maintain such a fight for long, sol preyed h.m sternly and the bright sparks fleC Backw^ds ep by step he retreated, until he had almost reTched the door out of which he came. I durst not withdraw '""l^^^^- ^- eve., advantage wa; mi:: lU 66 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED for he was well within the glow of the lamp, every move- ment distinctly visible, while I yet stood in darkness. "For the sake of mercy, my lord, come quick "It was the girl's voice at the head of the stairs; "there they are. They will desist if you command it. ' ' And I heard the heavy tread of two men coming down th^ stairs, a lighter step behind them. My foot touched something which lay in the dense shadow of the door- step. It felt soft, a package of some kind. Then I re- member seeing something fall from the cloak of my ad- versary forgotten in the heat of the fray. I placed my foot upon it. "What quarrel is this, gentlemen? Put by your swords?" The voice was that of a man accustomed to obedi- ence. My antagonist stood entirely upon the defensive ; I stepped back a pace and we rested at ease. He leaned heavily against the balustrade; his breath came hard ; I could see he was nearly spent, so furious had been our short contest. His face showed, besides, the flush of too much wine, or perchance I had not been so fortunate. ' 'What mean you , gentlemen ? Your quarrel ? ' ' "I did but kiss the wench, and this fellow set upon me in the dark." ^ "Aye, my lord," I replied stoutly, according to the stranger the respect he seemed to command. "A wan- ton insult to this lady whom I met unprotected in the AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS 67 .."".~.r,;r:"H"xr,'r;T'''«» But they only laughed the more. The "ladv Inni, ^ much confused. "^ looked "Thou art not of Paris?" fh^ f^ii "Nn fi,:o • ^/'''^'S'^ tne taller man asked No this ,s my first night in Paris." 1 thought as much. This ladv " th« . 11 tinued in a sarcastic tone "nermf' '^^" ^^" "^^^ con- Mademoiselle Florin waitress ir;:^^^^^^^ Betrand's wine rooms wh! , "'^ P'^^°" ''^r at dice." "''°^'"'' ^'^^^^ gentlemen sometimes play He laughed again, and even the ^Irl ... m .P a s^ne „„„ .ha, ,,e dan,, ha'duf: r ' "'■'''^' .. aTu ' ''^'" """'"'•e in such a matter " And by my soul, comrade, right glad I 1 , k you say it; for you fight like a very deWl Ju ,? ^'" Came Yvard k„.,,. . .wordsman •■" "' '''"' ^""^ v.Hy, I warr;i.e^"t:'trw'ir,d'";;oTd "^ '"^^■ against this ,amous-„r infamous^bravo aLT" '-.nggained; Ik„e.my man whHe ye^a stratr'" =»*• i-n 4- Ill iflllil 68 THE BLACK WOLF's BREED ' h h m And further, I stumbled on the very place which of all others I desired to find. Truly the chance was odd The two gentlemen upon the stair had not yet staunched their merriment, while these thoughts comL so unexpectedly had swept from me every recollection of the hght. 'Thouart not of Paris?" the spokesman asked again 1 heard him as a man hears something afar off for my foot resting upon the package which had been dropped, sent my mind a wandering again. Could it be that this was a paper of importance, or possibly the verv one I desired? Why not? I resolved to possess it at every hazard. Yet were I to stoop and pick it up now and they saw me, I knew of no means by which I might leave the place in safety. So I carelessly shoved it with my foot farther into the shadow of the step. I answered the question asked me so long before. ''No, my lord, the city is a strange one to me." "Of what place, did you say?" Now I had purposely refrained from saying, and did not know what reply to give. I hated to appear boor- ish, besJes It would not serve my purpose. My father being of Normandy, I deemed I would have nearly the accent of those people, so I made a venture to say "Of Normandy, sir," in such a way he did not pur- sue the subject further. "We thought you no Parisian, or this lady would not have made so easy a conquest, ' ' and they laughed again "Do you play?" he queried. AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS g. thedlt""'^' "'' '""■" *« '-' »- 1 -cnew .i.t,e of my bosom This wl,/ , " '° """'''• "'^^ ^^'^'^ '" had turned his brck " ''=~»'P"^'>ed when Ward -e. ,eo.d.eo;rer;t:^-t^^^^^^^^ Tlie gaming tables were ranopd ai,„ .. ■ .u the room and ahr>„f I ^^ "" '" ">« center of too-at p ay On tV • J" ""'"^ '"™-^"'' '-""en, umns ran sine four TlT''°J ^ ^'^^ => ™- <" »!: pniars formed cln:^^':':: tho?^". ^"^^^ sit and sip their wine Som. "'''° """'"^ ter to screen th2 „ ^'^ curtained, the bet- open. °''"P^"'^- Others stood broadly The four of us walljed over to a hKu i, and sat down to wine u7JZ , ' ""' °' ^^ ing already heeded%;/- f ' '■'=g«"ed not hav- -y^eif with%trtstr^:,:r :'■•-- •'^°^'<'^ I felt I attracted some attentLn t '' '™'"' '^ .Heroom, and this was :::'::CZ^-' '"""^^ tommed to touch no wine that night ' "" „...^.Tf ^■,f°" d" "C drin!^, •• Yvard ren,.,v,^ -'■" """^ '"" hot with the clash of steel?- \rn 'm ;o THE BLACK WOLF's BREED No, by my honor, that is long forgotten; it is my oath, an oath, too, that can not be broken " "Ah, to a lady?" I nodded, and he smiled. We talked indifferent gossip, and after awhile the Spanish troubles were mentioned ; I think the tall man first spoke of it. Somehow I felt Yvard's carelessness to be assumed, and that he very much desired to hear what these two gentlemen would say on a matter so im- portant. His manner made it plain to me he knew the two gentlemen, and also that they were men of rank However, they were quite discreet; while they talked much, yet they said nothing which was not common talk on the streets. After a bit they arose to leave, and I was sorely perplexed whether it were better that I de- part with them, now that papers which might be valu- able rested safely against my breast, or had I better stay and endeavor to learn more from Yvard, who was beginning to drink heavily. Perhaps a little more liquor might loosen his tongue, and I might even capture him or his confederate. Discretion would have taken me away, for that these two gentlemen were powerful enough to protect me in case of trouble in the house I did not doubt. The bearing of the elder man espe- cially was such as to inspire confidence. The adventure, though, was too enticing, and the hot- ter counsels of youth prevailed. I bade the gentlemen good night, and remained sitting at table with Yvard It was but a few moments before I regretted my unwise decision. AT THE AUSTRIAN ARMS ^, /..« u ^ [^^.^'""^ ''^ ^^^ forgotten in the fight Hi«; ^changed instantly, the drunken leer vanished. A first there was merely a puzzled expression as of an t tense eifort to remembpr u-. i i j " '"" convinced ™e o, the i.poZro,T- p3;::r H^ o::tv::eTar''rr'''="^" r-'" -^ -- way we came. As he passed through the m^o, -,a„d .HoShe'^o^redltra/rHldlt "''^ position where as T fmo • ^ ? ^' ^ ^^^^" ^ that I did not Lve ^'7^'"'"' ^' '""'' "^^^^ '"^ nnf f.ii u ^^""^""^ ""^asy now, for I could way I entered ""''• ^'""'^'y "<" "^^ *« -- a je .; i-:rr ;rerre\v:r mind agl buf h,H ' """""" ^'^ ^'"'^ «"^'^ -"V and dir^dtitair ^:,;rr-^^"^"'°"^' question how to leave ,>.,Tj"'°^ °' ''""•'■ The gave me infinitely more^conTernTh, 1"' -l?'" "'S"' tion as to who had n,^K m ^ ** "^'^ ^P^'ula- who had probably owned it long yea,^ before J. l„i 'isi^'f ^^Ih I '''i' (i n CHAPTER VIII A NEW FRIEND T RAPPED on the table, called a waitress, and ordered 1 a bottle of light wine, which I knew would not hurt me. "Send for Madembsielle Florine," and before many secoads were gone that lady presented herself, and perciied upon the edge of the table where I sat. Her humor was gay. her laugh was keen; she smiled and asked, "Has Monsieur forgiven?" with such a penitent little look I bade her be at ease. "Mademosielle. sit down. I pray you," and she saw by my serious face I was in no mood for chaffing, so she seated herself with a pretty air of attention. I could see the fellow at the dice watching, but now he appeared quite satisfied I intended to stay and drink with the girl. She was evidently a great favorite with the habitues of the place. He looked at me less frequently than at the door, and I guessed he expected Yvard's return. Now I grew certain. Yvard had merely gone down the stair to see if he had dropped the papers in the fight. As soon as he found they were not there I felt morally certain he would come and demand them of me. I had begun the game, and must play out the hand So (72) A NEW FRIEND 73 .oast. I tapped hfr ban eSy .I": 27°"." benefit of h™ „„o watched, Z laid Z ^Tu^ ^ mg to mamtain my nonchalant manner ' ^" "Listen to me a minute, and I beseech you smile do not loolc so serious. You brought me here JT , trust you to get me out alive, V there /nv oth/ than that I came?" ^ ""'*' "V Jhe^boi^ed about her apprehensively, so I cautioned an:":mttrghtd:r:i;.:T,;rrr''- and made love. " ^ ^ '^'^"'^ ^'^^ you She comprehended, and well did she play her part The tones of her voice were light and'playLT. ^he nfted the g ass to her line foo*.- «/iux, sne said between her sips- '' "^'^ ' connoisseur, and "Yes Monsieur, there is-another way Lading ouf on an alley— in the rear. ' ' ^^aamg out— "How do you reach it?" your a,,, ,Hat way-and you w«, sf:.- °° "■" ^'- Then let us — " "Wait, Monsieur, not vef t* m andseathimseifatthatLTe^asil^d:::^^^^^^^ we women here respect a genlma:."'^^""'"'- ^^=" ii!l ;1ii ■f 1 ff t ( Mil '.JIM ■S3 ym5 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 \2A I.I 1.25 Itt lit u 13.2 116 14.0 ■ 2^ 12.0 150mm ^ *; y /1PPLIED A IIVMGE . Inc j^B 1653 East Main Street ^^L Rochester. NY 14609 USA ^^^= Phone: 716/482-0300 j^^I^S Fax: 716/288-5989 1993, ApptM imagt. Inc., All Rights Reserved ,\ i\ a^ \ \ A. 9> -^A ^ "^"^ f\ v\ ^V.* 74 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED I pitied the woman from the bottom of my heart I took out my purse, paid the reckoning, and together we wandered aimlessly toward that table, laughing and looking on at the various games. The fellow watched us as we went, but was pleased, and seemed satisfied the woman but carried out the purposes of her employ- ment. ^ ^ I took a seat at the table, laid a wager or two and made myself intent upon the game. Florine stood be- hind my chair for awhile, watched my play, then dis- appeared. After a little she returned and again took her place behind me. Directly she laughed out mer- rily, and in a tone loud enough to be heard by the man who listened as well as watched, cried: "Monsieur plays the stakes too low. Fortune favors the brave," and reaching over she took several gold pieces from my store, laid them out and leaned close beside me to watch the throw. In this position she whispered : "I have the key to the outer door. The inner door will be unlocked. Monsieur will play twice more, and by that time I will be in the passage. Arise, and when you lay your hand upon the door I will open it from the other side. ' ' I lost the throw. "Double the wager, and better luck next time," she laughed as she moved off, and joking lightly to different men she knew, made her way beyond my range of vis- ion. During the play I saw Yvard come in hurriedly and question the man at the door. He shrugged his A NEW FRIEND Shoulders and shook his head. Ward ,v^ ., who had passed out or in. '^''"«' "'denUy asked The doorkeeper then recollected anrf t • • was telhng o, the two gentlemen X hid r'" "' rtor'^i^eJaiirrr-''"^-^^^^ He gianced -rrt^hirhrere'C^^^''"' was gone. He strode over to h,s co^,^ " ""'• ' gaged in piay. and n,ade no ^e „ r/^t"'',?'" ™- abruptness of his question The ™! • ""««'">g *« "y position at the othZa Je vTard "'"^' '"'''^'''' what relieved. Again he spoke !rd thisT'^V'""" at the table gathered uo ihi^m • '""* "'^ "^n replaced it in hi p„Z Then"!"" 'T! °' "'■"■ «'"' for me to hear: ""^ "'*'' '""d '"ough "Whati>" And sprang up instantly. Thev both i„.i. ^ and held a hurried consultation, trenttral^dl H ""' going one v/ay, one the oth-.- L ^^P^'"™. and one I sat. By thfs time m^ ! 'ond "! "" '"""^ "•>-"= felt if Florine played me fXthl ""' '"'"^'' """ ' hoping ,or ev4.hing 1 roZ^^^rj^r ^" mnnings in a wallet-for I had been'f„ ? ""^ "'y back and laid my hand upon thetnob """f^'^"'''^'' I had no time to think Z, , " "^' 'o^ked. .0 my destruc'n tmrn':^ rbetrht T' '""' Bitterly I repented my folly. ^ ''°P' "' ^'-^^P^' I have heard men say they faced rf.=th vi- . tremor, and so for that matter have I J.T ' * butitwasuponan honest field SjrgS:r; .* ^'i 76 THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED f»* Ijll sake or duty's. My cheek paled in spite of mc. at sight of the men who now came on. Three others with blades half drawn pressed close behind Yvard. How many more there were I had no knowledge. It was a sore test to my courage thus to meet the ugly chill of death in a Parisian gambling hell~in a place of such ill-repute. But there was no escape, and even if I fell ,'„ fight, they would brand me as a thief, bhould the papers be found on my body, then honora- ble men would execrate my memory as a traitor to country and to King, for had not Serigny told me h