Legend of Moulin Huet | Page 5

bay. Little they knew what power they were putting in the hands of
one who would not scruple to use it to the utmost.
"So your father is still against me, Marguerite?"
"Yes, Charlie; and that dreadful Jacques is persecuting me as much as
ever with his impertinent attentions. Only this evening he brought me
some bobbins which I told him he might take elsewhere."
"That reminds me I have brought with me those I have been making;
perhaps, though, you prefer those made by our dark friend, eh!
Marguerite?"
"Don't jest about him, Charlie; it frightens me even to think of him. I
am sure he would work you a mischief if he could."
"Ah! Marguerite, don't alarm yourself. The worst mischief he can work
is to bring a shade on your sweet face. All this evening I have noticed a
troubled look in those grey eyes of yours, which must be banished ere I
see you again. You surely do not think I am frightened at what such a
fellow as that can do! But what have I done with the bobbins? I hope I
have not dropped them. Ah! well! I suppose I did not bring them with
me after all, but I promise you shall have them two nights hence."
"No, Charlie, you must not come near here again for some time, as I am

certain there is danger, and I would far rather wait to see you until you
can come with safety. I feel there is something wrong going on between
my father and Jacques."
"Nonsense, Marguerite; you really must not have these idle fancies. I
shall come over in the evening after dark. You come up this path, and
show the light of a lantern three times if all is well. Then I will start
from our barracks, and come as quickly round the cliffs as I can. You
return to the mill, and go to the granary; I will climb up the mill wheel.
If I remember rightly, the granary window is just over the wheel. Then
I shall be able to speak to you for a few minutes, and bring the precious
little bobbins."
"Halloo! Charlie, where are you, and what have you done with my
sister?"
"Oh! there is Hirzel. How he frightened me," exclaimed Marguerite,
who evidently feared everything to-night.
"She is all right, old fellow. Come along, you are just in time to take
her home; I must be off, or black hole for me."
Hirzel now appeared from the midst of the ferns and gorse, and came
up on the path and joined his sister and Charlie.
"The fish won't bite to-night, somehow; they are not so easily caught by
a dazzling bait as some other things I could mention. Ha! Marguerite,
you seem to take it to yourself. Well, perhaps I mean you, and perhaps I
don't; but come along, Father will think you are lost."
Hirzel said "Good night" to Charlie, and moved off discreetly, leaving
his sister to follow.
"Don't forget Wednesday night, Marguerite; I shall look for your signal
about eight, and if all's well, I'll be round by nine. I will get leave to
stay out later than usual that night."
"Well, Charlie, I won't prevent your coming this once, but my heart

sadly misgives me. I hope nothing will happen to you."
"Don't be foolish, Marguerite, but run away after your brother; he is
looking impatient, and you know this is nicer for me than for him! He
is a brave good lad, worthy of having such a sister as he has. Good bye
till Wednesday. Mind, don't forget the signal. Good night, Hirzel."
"Well! time you said it old fellow," shouted Hirzel, "I have knocked
about all the stones in the neighbourhood with my stick, so was
beginning to be at a loss for employment. Come quickly. Marguerite."
On the way home Marguerite told her brother how Charlie was to come
and see her on Wednesday, and they arranged that Hirzel should stop
about the house so fearful of some violence occurring was Marguerite.
CHAPTER IV.
When Hirzel and his sister were out of sight, Jacques got down from
his hiding place and walked after them with the intention of telling old
Pierre what he had heard, and also to reveal to him a plan which had
suggested itself to his evil mind for destroying the young soldier when
he came to visit Marguerite on the following Wednesday evening.
Jacques changed his mind about going in when he came near the mill.
He saw through the open door Pierre talking with his children; he
thought he should not be able to see the old man alone that night, and
besides, he had a feeling which kept him back from entering
Marguerite's presence