Belle-Rose — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

— A DIPLOMATIC MISSION. ~ SAS O4RT where the falconer’s son at once began to search with his eyes for the famous closet of which Monsieur de Luxem- bourg had spoken. It was in one corner, behind a curtain which would have concealed it from one less well in- formed. Monsieur Bergame eyed Belle-Rose with the ex- pression of a cat watching its prey. “You have a sum of money to turn over to me, did you say, monsieur? or has the child, whose simplicity must be excused, erred in reporting to me your words?’’ “This child has told you the truth, Monsieur Bergame, and lam ready to count out to you the hundred thousand livres which have been confided to.me.’’ “Very well, monsieur, it is a Sum which I will receive— when: you shall have told me why it has been sent to me.’’ Belle-Rose did not mistake the expression of the glance which Monsieur Bergame gave him. The child was still present; he might prove an embarrassing witness in case it was necessary to employ MENACE ; Belle-Rose resolved to get rid of him. ‘That is what lam going to tell you presently; permit me only to go and get the money,’’ and he went out. What he had foreseen happened. The child followed him. “‘Déroute,’’ said Belle-Rose, in a low tone to the ser- geant, ase I am. unstrapping this valise approach that rascal and gag him.’ Peppe—that ‘was the child’s name—looked with all his — eyes at the valise in which there were supposed to be such beautiful gold-pieces; Déroute tied the horse’s bridle around a limb and approached Peppe; but Peppe, who per- ceived him from the ‘corner of his eye, made two steps back. ‘*Kh!’’ said Belle-Rose, letting fall seven or eight gold- pieces, ‘‘the money is escaping! Come this way, my little fellow, and take these louis; if you carry four of them up there, you shall have two of them.’’ And Belle-Rose, taking the valise upon his shoulders, moved away. The child threw himself upon the grass, where the gold sparkled; Déroute leaped upon him, seized - him by the neck, and tied a handkerchief over his mouth. Peppe had not even time to utter a sigh, but he had enough presence’of mind to slip four or five gold-pieces into his pocket. Belle-Rose, who had seen the whole affair, rapidly remounted to where Monsieur Bergame was. “Here it is,’ ' said he, placing the valise upon the table, Eomicbooks (E(o)