The Light That Lures

streets, and others, dreaming too, after a fashion, but not much of books. In these days there were other things to dream of. Life moved quickly, crowdedly, down the Rue Valette, and this baker's sh

r's shop, the real cen

front of the stairs, was a door always closed, usually locked, yet at a knock it would be immediately opened. Behind it two rooms adjoined, their windows looking into the court. The furniture was sparse and common, the walls were bare, no more than a worn rug was upon the floor, but on a hanging she

oment would assuredly destroy many and leave others stranded and useless, but for a few there was the realization of ambition. Those few must have power to grapple with their surroundings, brains to hold fast to the high position upon which the tide wave must fling them. Of these Raymond Latour would be. The determination was expressed in every feature, in the steel gray eyes, in the firm set mouth, in the square and powerful build of the man. Nature had given him inches above his fellows, muscles which made them courteous to him; and study had given him the power to use men. His ability was recognized and appreciated, his companions had thrust him into prominence, at the first somewhat against his will, but carried on the crest of the wave of popula

o look at him as a man to be feared and respected, yet his manner changed as he passed through the alley, the swagger lessened with each step he m

, I was thinking o

is a league from Paris at the tavern

his face as he turned away from his visitor as though to hid

ng each part so well that it seems to me he is now doubtful

saw

ill in ignorance of her

er as though they went straight to his soul with the penetration of a shoemaker's awl. "She is to be de

rve Citizen Latou

d away in our hearts, the lack of opportunity alone prevents our satisfying it. In these times there is much opportunity, it is that alone which makes us seem more vindictive than men

returned, and it was easy to see that he wa

d Dubois to bring her here. She must be made to understand tha

pon the door to depart

was robbed, this aristoc

he is likely to remain. I put fe

come t

alt with," Sabatier a

usted friend; his swagger was greater t

lking in front of him, one of many in the street yet distinct from them all. He was slight, so slight that he seemed tall, walked delicately, something feminine about him, a weak man, perhaps, whom strong men would despise; yet heads were turned to look after him, and a second glance found something definite and determined in the delicate walk, something feline. H

wer to his inquiry, and the suspicion of a smile touched Latour's face at the man's hesitation. After waiting a few moments he was anno

sit," said Bruslart, ris

yet heard the

was essential to him. He called himself citizen, sought the society of patriots, talked as loudly as any. He had talked to such purpose that, arrested and imprisoned as a dangerous aristocrat, he had been released and welcomed as a true son of Paris. For all this, he was an aristocrat to his finger tips, hated the very atmosphere of a true patriot, and washed their touch from his hands with disgust. His own interes

y in need of

vate matter," Latour answered. "You h

g since I was relea

you in the C

asant. You will know what I mean if you

your safety, fled to your fr

se. He is a faithful fellow, an

y?" aske

ell as others, and I have said to Rouzet, that was his name, 'If harm should come to me try and carry news to those who still love m

other messenger to prevent Mademoise

aris!" Bruslart exc

teps to prevent her d

er here on my account? She is not a p

could serve your country; a deco

Is this the mean

your answ

citizen. Is the answer s

with a smile. "You will rejoice to hear tha

was impossible to tell whether it was at the fail

joice," he said. "I have been imprudent. It di

o loves wil

ve themselves and us. But tell me ho

ements were noted. He was followed out of Paris. He was caught upon the road and questioned. Some patriots have rough

his hands for a moment. "Poor Rouzet, I believe his f

fer to you, you are no longer an aristocrat," Latour went on quickly. "Still, a word of

dvice. I must be myse

on. "Such love is unnatural the people will affirm. Are there not women in Par

interest in me,

he reply. "Were I Lucien Bruslart, I should leave Par

d, you are not the only man who is competent to prophesy in what direction things may turn. You ha

in good advice," said Latour. "

arrel?" sai

. In our different ways, doubtl

ught as he opened the door, and then seemed to draw back suddenly, as Latour said good-by, still laughing. The door was closed, the footsteps went quickly d