The Strand Magazine, Vol. 27, No. 161, May 1904

the papers which his captain pus

u are making love here. You may be very emotional, but

y a Prussian force. It was his intention to join the main body, but not only were there many obstacles in the way, but he had fallen very desperately in love with R

ed. Besides, love speaks

LOUDER THAN A

mer's pretty daughter is no match for a La Hire. And in any case you will not get her, for she is promised to that rascal Simon Mansart, who lives in the chateau on the hill yonder"; a

that man, whom she detests and fears-to that miser, that creature--!" he broke off suddenly, the

ing his shoulders contemptuously, "if y

"I cannot leave her, loving her as I do, loving me as she does, for I grea

rd to threaten with? Better still, have you not gol

will give the word. Laporte is moving on Besan?on, which is in a state of siege. We really ought to join him three leagues

y, Monsieur Mansart

uirassiers. A crafty smile touched the corners of his thin lips, and he stroked with

y her in any way. Your gold, which, if report says true, you have spent your life i

he knew that the widow and the fatherless had little cause to love him. His heart h

ur fierce looks. I have influence with Mademoiselle Rachel's parents, who are very poor, and I shall use it

with you, though, mon Dieu! there is little reason why I should. Since money is as v

ref

ousand,

d and snapped

n thousand francs, and no

usly upon the heads of his great curs; but he contr

or you would not make such ove

will never yi

e, for I certainly

ch a terrible voice that the mast

meant nothing, his hand gro

his chair. "You forge

t he followed up his advantage. "You will have to take care of yourself here, monsieur, and yet greater care of your gold. I warn you

t turn

of field-pieces, you may

eep sound, a heavy thud, which appeared t

A gun!" exclai

sharper report sounded. The shell had burst.

e after all," said La

from the cannon which had been discharged. In that direction a ridge broke the fla

age and turn us out, and we must retreat-as usual. I do not care if I can wi

ermans?" asked a fearf

hat note of war, which was the first

oped that you have some good things in your larder, for if these Prus

le so

xpecting me," m

aying branches of the trees in the garden appeared to be trying to obtain a little warmth by the exercise. The final crescen

of the escarpment, and passed. It was quickly followed by a second heavy thud-the rep

trees in the garden, flinging down branches and tearing up ear

before, scarcely disturbe

garden soil. He lifted his fac

t I was done fo

h he had flung himself, and looked around wit

rt! Are you still

ughter came from one of the

are waiting for y

stepped briskly from the garden to wh

feel on his lips the soft touch of her lips, and round his neck the clinging fingers once clasped there. And this wave of pa

earance; and he led his men south*-ward, temptin