entin de Ferdieu, is the virtual owner of the Chateau of Anet. My dear doctor, can you see to what my story is leading?"

“I think I can,” said he, “but I promised not to interrupt again."

"I have heard," said the marquise, with a smile, “that you Yankees answer one question by asking another; but you have been more diplomatic."

"I will be true to my nationality," said the doctor. "So you think they have taken Miss Fentress to your son's chateau ?"

of

"I do," said she. "I am so well convinced of the truth my surmise that I am going there at once."

"I will accompany you," said the doctor.

"Pardon me," said the marquise, "but what I have to do can be accomplished much better alone. I shall take with me two of my retainers, young, strong, and trusty men. I may not need them, as I think I can accomplish my purpose by woman's wit rather than by man's strength. But I have one question to ask you, doctor. If I succeed in rescuing Miss Fentress, what shall I do with her? I had intended to take her to my chateau in Normandy, which is on the west coast. From one of my towers I can look out upon the Channel Islands, but it will not do to take her there, for they will at once find her. I say they, for I am sure her uncle and my son are together?"

"I find it more difficult," said the doctor, "to deal with that question than with the affairs of the American Colonies."

"Did you not tell me," asked the marquise, "that she had an aunt living in Geneva?"

"Yes," said Franklin; "she was the wife of Monsieur Raoul de Bressant. After his death she married another

Frenchman, whose name, I have learned, is Gustave Vaillarde. I grasp your idea, madam. If she could be placed in her aunt's care all might be well; but how can it be done?"

"I have been to Geneva," said the marquise. “I love the place. Switzerland is beautiful. I will go with her and put her in charge of Madame de Vaillarde."

L

CHAPTER XX

THE CHATEAU OF ANET

A MARQUISE DE FERDIEU was sometimes slow in making up her mind, but when once she had come to a determination she was full of activity. After giving Dr. Franklin her promise that she would take Miss Fentress, if she could find her, to Geneva and place her in care of her aunt, she bent all her energies to the carrying out of her plan, or, as she called it to herself, her plot.

The family carriage was the means of transportation selected. She made the inside as comfortable as possible, with all those devices which women know so well how to make and how to use. On the outside was her favorite coachman, Legros, and riding beside the carriage were her two most trusted attendants, Antoine and Guillaume.

The drive was a long and tedious one, but the marquise bore its discomforts uncomplainingly, saying to herself whenever she felt mentally depressed or physically wearied, "It is in a good cause."

Before leaving the Forest of Dreux, she sent Antoine forward to make inquiries concerning the passengers who had stopped at the inn since the night of the abduction. He learned but little, but that little confirmed the marquise in her opinion that her son Florentin was the leader of the band which had attacked the diligence.

An old man who worked in the stable at the inn said he had been called to by the driver of a post-chaise to bring him a piece of rope. He could not remember what night it was, but from what he said Antoine was sure it was the one on which the diligence had been held up. The old man's sight was not very good, yet he felt positive that there was a man and a woman in the post-chaise and another man on horseback. He did not know what use they wished to make of the rope, but the man who rode the horse threw him a five-franc piece.

"Did you ask him whether he kept the money or gave it to the innkeeper?" asked the marquise.

"No, madame, I did not," said Antoine. "I was acting as a detective in your interest, not as a judge.”

"A very good answer," said the marquise. She thought to herself that no one would have given five francs for a piece of rope unless he had plenty of money, and she knew that her son was not stinted in that respect.

The long road was nearly at an end. Less that a quarter of a league away was the Chateau of Anet. She called to Legros to stop. On her way she had thought of a dozen plans of making her entrance into the chateau unobserved. Should she send Antoine forward to reconnoiter? No, he might be discovered, and possibly recognized; then Frances would be spirited away before she could reach the chateau.

"Legros," said she, "behind the chateau is there not a narrow lane which leads from the main road to the door of the kitchen?"

"There is, madame."

"Is it of earth?"

"Not exactly, madame. The wheels of wagons have cut ruts in the turf, and the last time I was here it was covered with grass, the same as the fields."

"Is it wide enough to allow you to turn your horses?" "Oh, yes, madame."

"While I am in the house you must do that, and be ready to gallop off as soon as I give the word.”

"I attend, madame."

The marquise opened the door of the kitchen quietly and stepped quickly into the room. Marguerite, the cook, sat at the table, upon which stood a lighted candle. She had taken some money from a purse and had counted it over and over again, her eyes full of satisfaction. She was so intent upon her pleasing occupation that she was not aware of the presence of the marquise until the latter said, in a low tone, "Good evening, Marguerite."

The woman jumped to her feet with a cry of alarm, and several pieces of the money fell to the floor.

"Marguerite," asked the marquise, "was that money honestly earned ?”

The woman did not answer, but her face flushed and a defiant look showed in her eyes.

"You need not speak," said the marquise. "Where is Marie?"

"Upstairs."

"You are usually more glib of tongue, Marguerite. Have you been paid to keep it quiet? If so, I will pay you more to speak. When servants are in the market the longest purse wins. How much money have you in your purse?"

"Fifty-five francs."

if you

The marquise opened a small bag which she carried and placed some money upon the table. "There are a hundred francs, Marguerite; the money is yours will answer a few questions honestly and fully." The woman placed her hand upon the money and bowed her head.