M. Roussillon's life depended upon the return of the flag. She put
her hands together and for a moment covered her eyes with them.
"I will go now, Mademoiselle," said Farnsworth; "but I hope you
will be in great haste about returning the flag."
He stood looking at her. He was profoundly touched and felt that
to say more would be too brutal even for his coarse nature; so he
simply lifted his hat and went away.
Jean took hold of Alice's dress as she turned to go back into the
house.
"Is he going to take the flag? Can he find it? What does he want
with it? What did you do with the flag, Alice?" he whined, in his
peculiar, quavering voice. "Where is it?"
Her skirt dragged him along as she walked.
"Where did you put it, Alice?"
"Father Beret hid it under his floor," she answered,
involuntarily, and almost unconsciously. "I shall have to take it
back and give it up."
"No--no--I wouldn't," he quavered, dancing across the veranda as
she quickened her pace and fairly spun him along. "I wouldn't let
'em have it at all."
Alice's mind was working with lightning speed. Her imagination
took strong grip on the situation so briefly and effectively
sketched by Captain Farnsworth. Her decision formed itself
quickly.
"Stay here, Jean. I am going to the fort. Don't tell Mama
Roussillon a thing. Be a good boy.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197