rough the air, fell in a shower of brilliant sparks.

The three girls ran to the window. How long were those last moments of
waiting. Finally the measured beat of oars was heard, the prow of a boat
struck against the pebbly beach, and shadows were seen coming toward the
cottage. The door opened.

Irene and Caillette burst into tears.

Francine cried, "Fanfar! my brother!"

"Zounds!" cried Gudel, "it was not such an easy matter getting here."

Fanfar sank on his knees before Francoise. "My poor mother!" he
exclaimed.

And the invalid took Fanfar's head in her trembling hands, and kissed
him tenderly.

"And Bobichel! you here, too!" cried Caillette, overjoyed.

Irene went to Fanfar's side. "I have come," she said, quietly.

Without leaving his mother he took the girl's fair hand and pressed it
to his lips.

Arthur began to question Gudel, and from him learned the whole truth.

The friends, after Fanfar's body was removed, decided on reflection that
Cyprien was the sole person who could aid them. At first he refused to
give them the smallest information, but finally he was made to speak.
They went to the Hotel de Fongereues, but the sad party had left for
Alsace. Two leagues away they were overtaken however. Labarre was told
the whole truth. Fanfar was liberated, and restored to life by the
physician whom Gudel had brought with him. The Marquis de Fongereues
went on to the chateau with the body of the Vicomte.

"And Labarre, where is he?"

"In the boat waiting for us, but I have not yet told you all. We should
have made an end of Cyprien, for he threatened to denounce us. The only
thing for Fanfar is to flee the country. A quarter of a league from
shore a vessel awaits us. Come, Fanfar, there is no time to lose, you
know that you start for America to-night."

There was a long silence. Labarre entered.

"Marquis," he said, "it is time."

There was a startled exclamation. Whom did he salute by this title?

Fanfar rose.

"Do not call me by this name. I am Jacques, the adopted son of Simon
Fougere."

Irene went to him.

"Jacques," she said, "you long since bade me seek to make myself loved.
Have I followed your advice?"

"I love you," answered Fanfar, simply.

"Do you wish me to become your wife?"

Caillette uttered a smothered exclamation.

"Fanfar," she said, "the lady loves you truly."

The young man pressed his hand upon his eyes.

"Thanks," he said, "your hearts are all noble and good."