The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

— : THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. 93 Somewhat pacified, the old man led the way into his — ; little lodge, and set about finding quarters forthe young _ man, who gave his name as Jacques Bronne. | And so easily satisfied was Jacques, and so respectful withal, that Pierre became quickly reconciled to him. Indeed, when he reflected that he could now go to the village whenever he liked, his gratification was extreme. He lost no time in testing his opportunities. «* Jacques,” said he, ‘‘] have important business at the village, and I will start early, for ’m not as supple as I once was.” 3 ‘Quite right, Father Pierre. I will keep good cuard here. If anybody tries to run away with the chateau while _ you are gone, I'll stop him with this club, which looks as if it had already done good service.” . ‘‘ Nay, Jacques,” interposed the old man, hastily. ‘Never touch that—it has blood on it.” “« (Yel!”’? Father Pierre, how comes that?” . ““l like not to talk of it, Jacques. I knowlittle, any- how. Let it suffice for thee that I found it just as thou seest it.” ‘Ah, good Father Pierre, it is some fearful mystery; I can see that; and you refuse to tellitto me. Ah, you do not know how curious I am, and how I do love a mystery, or you would surely tell me.” ‘“ Nay, nay; I will not—at least not now. I must be off!” “Ah, well,” sighed Jacques; ‘1 shall sit here all day, never stirring, with my eyes fixed on that terrible club. It fascinates me.” ‘“A pretty way that to serve your employers,” cried the old man, angrily. ‘‘ Now, I tell thee plainly, thou shalt never hear a word of the story—and it’s a rare bloody one— if thou dust not bestir thyself to-day. There’s the chateau needs an airing badly. Here are the keys. It’s work or no story, young lazybones.” ““ Bien, Father Pierre! If it’s that, the work shall not be neglected. I shall have the story to-night, then, eh?” © Ay, ay. Very well, very well, wé shall see,” said the old man, good-humoredly, as if talking to a spoiled child. ** You'll find plenty to eat in the cupboard.” Jacques watched the old man out of sight, then re-entered , ; _ the gate and secured it firmly. se The half-stupid, half-joyous look of his class faded from © EomIcbooks:.co