LEGEND OF MOULIN HUET

by

LIZZIE A. FREETH

Author Of _The Adventures of Carl Skinflint among the Fairies_

Guernsey: Le Lievre, Printer, Star-Office, 10, Bordage Street. 

1872

 DEDICATED TO "THE CONWAY BOYS. "

DEDICATION. 

Though the story contained in the following pages has no connection withthem, yet it is my wish to dedicate this little work to "The ConwayBoys, " and all those connected with that most invaluable institution, "H. M. S. Conway, " lying at Rockferry, Birkenhead. 

I have particular reason to speak well of the "Conway, " as any "Boy" mayknow who may have been on board for the last five or six years, from thefact that two of my brothers, after passing a successful career underthe careful teaching of the Rev. Henry O'Brien; L. L. D. , Cork, continuedto build on the good foundation laid, and left the "Conway" with creditboth to their teachers and themselves. I shall always have pleasure inmeeting with any "Conway Boy, " and hearing of the good old ship to whichI wish a long continuance of her success in preparing Boys creditablyfor one of the great sources of our national strength and wealth--"OurMerchant Navy. "

I must just add a word of thanks to my friends in Guernsey andelsewhere, who so kindly encouraged and supported me when publishing ona former occasion, and whom I see, by reference to the subscriptionlist, coming forward again--among some new friends--with a repetition oftheir kindness. 

Montpelier, Guernsey, 1872. 

CHAPTER I. 

In the year 165-, when Cromwell had gained ascendancy in England andover the greater portion of the Channel Islands, there lived inGuernsey, at the Bay of Moulin Huêt, a miller of the name of PierreMoullin. Unlike his class generally, he was a very morose man, hard inhis dealings with the poor around him, and exceedingly unsympathizing inall his domestic relations, as will appear as our story unwinds itself. Before speaking of the family surroundings of Pierre Moullin we willglance at the circumstance which forms the basis of the present tale. Visitors to the Bay of Moulin Huêt, as well as to other parts of thisand the surrounding Islands, may have observed a crimson appearance onthe rocks, suggesting very sanguinary ideas, but for which, geologistsdoubtless, would be able to account in a very satisfactory manner. Looking at a portion of the original gully through which the water runsafter passing through the mill wheel, we find that this crimsonappearance is very visible, and as our purpose is not to raisescientific enquiries, we will take one of the fanciful reasons (of whichthere are two or three in existence), for this coloring on by the handof Nature, which has so abundantly bedecked Guernsey in general, andMoulin Huêt in particular. Dipping into the Fairy lore of that part ofthe island, we find that many believe that some mischievous Fairies whoannoyed the miller much with their nightly pranks were ground to piecesby the mill wheel becoming unfastened, and that their blood remainsthere to this day, as a warning to all others among the "good people"who might wish to vent their superfluous mischief in a like manner. 

So much for the Fairy lore in the Moulin Huêt Chronicles; but we mustturn our attention elsewhere to find out whose blood it was that thusdyed the watercourse of the Moulin Huêt Mill. 

At the time of which we are speaking, (the opening of the year 165-)Pierre Moullin and his two children, a son and a daughter, lived in ahouse adjoining the mill, in fact, the same roof covered both mill andhouse, which were built facing the sea. The stream of water which turnedthe wheel was far more powerful than the present, as the old marks(still partially visible) denote. Pierre Moullin, like many of hisfellow-islanders, was a strong adherent of Cromwell; his son Hirzel wasalso, --though perhaps he did not go quite as far as his father in hishatred of the Royalist party. He had nevertheless acquaintances amongthe Royalist soldiers who were quartered in the strong fortress atJerbourg. One in particular he had made a great friend of--CharlieHeyward. Old Pierre often used to say he knew harm would come of thisfriendship, and felt his words were being proved true when hediscovered that an attachment was springing up between his daughterMarguerite and the young soldier. On becoming aware of this his rage wasunbounded, and he repeatedly said he would be the death of Charlie if hecould manage it. He tried in every way to bring his son to his way ofthinking, but though Hirzel did not much like the idea of his sistermarrying a Royalist soldier, and besides which another friend andfellow-countryman of his Jacques Gaultier, was also much attached to thefair Marguerite, and had long persecuted her with his unwelcomeattentions, still Hirzel would have done anything rather than haveinjured his friend Charlie, whom he liked well, though he did not likehis principles. In Jacques Gaultier the old miller saw a ready tooltowards gaining his wicked end of destroying Charlie. The latter did notthink Pierre's hatred reached the extent it did, at the same time he wasstill aware there was no chance of his ever gaining the old man'sconsent to his marrying Marguerite. 

One night Pierre sent his son to bring Jacques Gaultier saying, hewished to speak to him about taking some flour into the town next day. Jacques was only too delighted to get any excuse for going to the mill, and immediately said he would accompany Hirzel if he "would wait untilhe got something which he had been making for Marguerite. "

"All right, Jacques, my boy, but look sharp, as the old man seemsimpatient to-night. "

"Thy tone and way of speaking savour far more of the style of that basesoldiery which our island is burdened with, than the tone of thyfather's son should be, " replied Jacques. 

"Very well, " said Hirzel, "I will promise to mend my ways, but do bequick, as I promised to walk with my sister at seven, and now it is nighon half-past; and she says she needs my counsel much on a matter. "

"Ah! thou art an impatient lad, but it would be worse with me were I inthy case; long till she'd ask me to walk with her, not I warrant were Idying for a look at her sweet face. "

"Don't be down-hearted, Jacques, how know'st thou but that my sistermay change her mind and look kindly on thee yet; wait till the Redcoatshave gone down to the Castle, and then perhaps thy fishers' garb mayfind favour in her sight, but what hast thou got there? Some woman'strifles, which thou seem'st to understand better than I have yetlearned. "

"I made these sore against my will, for I would rather see thy sisterreading some edifying book than passing her time on such vanities asthese are used for, they are bobbins, lad. "

"Ha, Ha, " laughed Hirzel, "were I to go into the market to-morrow andsay that stern Jacques Gaultier spent his hours carving out lacebobbins, who would believe me?"

"Don't laugh at me, Hirzel, perhaps one of these fine days thou wilt dosomething more foolish: when thy nineteen summers shall have ripenedlike mine to thirty thou wilt have different thoughts. "

"Time enough to speak when it comes. Now I love my boat better thananything else! But how we are wasting this fine evening. My Father willthink we are lost or gone to be soldiers, eh Jacques? Come along, and wewill see what Marguerite thinks of those little sticks of thine. "

CHAPTER II. 

On the same evening of which we have been speaking Marguerite wassitting just outside the door, employed as she generally was in herleisure time at lace work, of the style which had been so fashionableduring the reign of the late murdered King. How Marguerite had firstlearnt this "unedifying work, " we know not but as she used to work forthe family of one of the King's officers, and had seen the ladies do it, she soon with very little instruction learnt to do it well. Very prettyMarguerite looked bending over her "lace pillow, " weaving sweetthoughts into her work, if we may judge from the expression of her facewhich was one of those that "made one feel good to look at, " as Charlieoften said, and indeed it was a good thing for him to take theremembrance of such a face through his Barrack life, which at least wasa rough one. 

Marguerite had not long been enjoying the quiet of her own society whenshe heard her Father call her. She immediately obeyed his summons withthat strange feeling at her heart--that strange foreshadowing ofevil--to which we have all been subject at some time in our lives. "Again at that silly work, girl; better for thee to get something to doabout the house than waste thy time over that useless finery; I'llwarrant me when thou art Jacques Gaultier's wife he will find thee otherwork--mending his nets, mayhap!"

"My dear Father, I will never be Jacques Gaultier'a wife. I have toldhim so oft: I doubt if he will ever speak to me on the subject again; hewill not risk hearing rude words from me, I fancy. "

"I tell thee thou _shalt_ be Jacques Gaultier's wife, and that beforelong; he is coming here to-night, and I will tell him he can have theewith my full consent. Spite of thy love for red coats, thou wilt settledown here as a fisher's wife. "

"Father, I have promised to marry Charlie and no other, and I will doso; you used to like him ere 'my Lord Protector Cromwell' turned theheads, if not gained the hearts, of nearly all but the loyal soldiery!And now I will never marry any one but Charlie. You have made me speakthus to you Father; I don't think you ought to try to make me marry onewhom in my heart I despise; and who you know well is not a good man. "

"Ah! that is thy spirit, is it? Well, we'll see; I doubt if thou wiltfind that fine soldier of thine alive much longer; it would be a goodand commendable deed to sweep all such from the face of the earth. "

"Yes, surely, commendable, but only in the eyes of those who murderedour poor King, Father; but we will speak no more of these things. Youare tired with your day's work, and are not like yourself to-night. Ihear Hirzel's voice, so I will go and meet him; we are to have a walkthis evening, and you can talk quietly with Jacques, but not a wordabout me; you know what my thoughts are now, Father. "

Having thus spoken, Marguerite left the house, and after going throughthe garden gate, she entered a pretty lane which was abundantly blessedby Nature with a quantity of ferns and wild flowers. It was justbeginning to grow dusk, and she saw not far off Jacques Gaultier and herbrother. The latter was singing in his native _patois_ a gay song, muchto the horror of Jacques, who thought it was dreadful to do such athing. Dropping his usual air of hypocritical stiffness (adopted by somany to fall in with the custom of the times), he hastened forward tomeet Marguerite, and with a show of politeness, wonderful for the roughJacques, raised his hat and said, "Good evening, Marguerite; it is myfault that thy brother is late; I kept him while I was getting readysome bobbins which I have made in the hope that thou wilt take them fromme. "

"I thank thee, Jacques Gaultier, but I do not want thy bobbins; keepthem for some other girl: I am teaching many this same work, and nodoubt you will find some one glad to get them. I am going to-night whereI shall get a set made by some one whom I like better than JacquesGaultier. My father is waiting, so go to him; come Hirzel, don't delayme longer. "

Jacques moved off muttering to himself, and with a most murderous lookon his dark face. Poor Charlie would have fared badly had he been inthis man's power just now!

CHAPTER III. 

We will follow Gaultier into the mill, leaving Marguerite and herbrother to pursue their intention of having a walk, and hear what oldPierre has to say. On Jacques entering the room he found the old man ina state of great disquietude--in fact, in a very great rage. He had byno means recovered his daughter's assertion that she would never marryanyone but Charles Heyward. 

"Good evening, Jacques, I sent for thee on a matter of great importanceto thyself. I know thou did'st love my girl Marguerite, and that thouhad'st a desire to marry her. Art thou still of that mind?" Jacques wassomewhat surprised both at the old man's manner and at this openingaddress, but replied, "Truly I am, but I fear she will never consent totake me for her husband; she hates me, and loves that soldier with redcheeks and bold forward air. I wish he were far from here; but perhapsshe would still think of him and never look on me. Even to-night she hadnot a civil word for me, though I stayed at home to make these thingsfor her and lost my place at market. "

"And serve thee right. What business hast thou to encourage the girl inher vanities? But thou said'st just now thou would'st like to have thatfellow out of this. So would I, and the whole lot of those lawlesssoldiers. Can'st thou not think of some means to catch him"?

"Well, Father Pierre, I wouldn't like---

"Wouldn't like _what_!" shouted the old man, "perhaps thou art afraid ofthe popinjay in his red coat--eh, thou chicken-hearted fellow? Thou artnot the man I took thee for. I wonder not at Marguerite speaking as shedoes. "

"Those are hard words and I like them not, " replied Jacques sulkily. Hefelt the hit contained in Pierre's words all the more as he was notquite innocent of fear of the red coat. "I was going to say, " hecontinued, "I wouldn't like Marguerite to know I was watching for hersoldier, as she might warn him and put him on his guard. Ah! thehateful fellow, I wish I had my hands at his throat now. "

"Gently, gently, my good Jacques, " replied the elder hypocrite, "suchlanguage becomes not a follower of our Lord Protector Cromwell. But letus understand one another. Charlie Heyward--(the name hath but an illsavour to me)--must be put out of the way, and Marguerite, like her sex, will doubtless forget that he ever existed, and marry thee. I wonderwhere they meet? It must be somewhere near here, but I cannot find out. Now that he knows he is unwelcome to me, he comes not in here. "

"I will try and find out, Father Pierre, and then we must devise meansfor putting him out of the way, as thou seem'st to desire it, and, mind, my reward is Marguerite, whether she be willing or not. "

"Yea, my son, and here is my hand on it. "

After shaking hands over this black bargain, Jacques arose and said hemust go, and wishing old Pierre "Good night, " he left the mill. Turninground when he had gone a few steps from the door, he clenched his handand said, "Thou tempt'st me to commit murder, but I'll take care thatthou doest the deed thyself; bad as I am I could not take Marguerite'shand in mine after such a foul deed. "

It was now getting rather late, but as Jacques had no business of hisown on hand, but rather wished, like so many others to be aboutbusiness that was _not_ his, instead of going home he thought he wouldgo up the cliffs by a path which swept round the side of the hill tillit came to fields that led to the Jerbourg fortress. On coming to acorner where the path turned up the hill, he paused to look at the scenebefore him, which was a lovely one: the moon was very brilliant, and thelight of it made a broad pathway across the bay--such a pathway asalways makes one wish to walk along in the calm to find a place of rest. 

Perhaps the dark rocks which rose with a sort of sullen majesty straightup from the water side, were more to Jacques' fancy than the moon pathon the water, for he was gazing intently across the hay at them, whileapparently the rest of the beautiful scene was lost on him. So intentwas his gaze at the rocks--on the summit of which was the Jerbourgfortress--that he did not observe the presence of two persons who werecoming slowly towards him. Evidently they had not remarked him either, which was not so much to be wondered at as they were no other thanMarguerite and Charlie!

Suddenly Jacques' attention was drawn to them by a merry laugh fromMarguerite. On looking round and seeing who were there he ground histeeth in jealous rage and muttered to himself. "Ha! now I may discoversomething, " and going a few steps round the corner, he turned himselfinto some bushes that overhung the path and bent down his head, preparedto listen to the conversation of the pair coming along. Ah! Marguerite;Ah, Charlie! how careful you would be did you know of the presence ofthat dark-faced Jacques with his evil designs. 

Unconsciously Jacques had placed himself in an excellent position tohear and see all that was going on, as immediately beneath the bushes inwhich he had hidden himself there was a large block of granite on whichthe lovers sat down to await Hirzel, who was coming up from the bay. Little they knew what power they were putting in the hands of one whowould 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 asever with his impertinent attentions. Only this evening he brought mesome 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. Iam sure he would work you a mischief if he could. "

"Ah! Marguerite, don't alarm yourself. The worst mischief he can work isto bring a shade on your sweet face. All this evening I have noticed atroubled look in those grey eyes of yours, which must be banished ere Isee you again. You surely do not think I am frightened at what such afellow as that can do! But what have I done with the bobbins? I hope Ihave not dropped them. Ah! well! I suppose I did not bring them with meafter 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 amcertain there is danger, and I would far rather wait to see you untilyou can come with safety. I feel there is something wrong going onbetween my father and Jacques. "

"Nonsense, Marguerite; you really must not have these idle fancies. Ishall come over in the evening after dark. You come up this path, andshow the light of a lantern three times if all is well. Then I willstart 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 millwheel. 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 theprecious 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, whoevidently feared everything to-night. 

"She is all right, old fellow. Come along, you are just in time to takeher home; I must be off, or black hole for me. "

Hirzel now appeared from the midst of the ferns and gorse, and came upon the path and joined his sister and Charlie. 

"The fish won't bite to-night, somehow; _they_ are not so easily caughtby 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 Idon't; but come along, Father will think you are lost. "

Hirzel said "Good night" to Charlie, and moved off discreetly, leavinghis sister to follow. 

"Don't forget Wednesday night, Marguerite; I shall look for your signalabout eight, and if all's well, I'll be round by nine. I will get leaveto stay out later than usual that night. "

"Well, Charlie, I won't prevent your coming this once, but my heartsadly misgives me. I hope nothing will happen to you. "

"Don't be foolish, Marguerite, but run away after your brother; he islooking impatient, and you know this is nicer for me than for him! He isa brave good lad, worthy of having such a sister as he has. Good byetill Wednesday. Mind, don't forget the signal. Good night, Hirzel. "

"Well! time you said it old fellow, " shouted Hirzel, "I have knockedabout all the stones in the neighbourhood with my stick, so wasbeginning to be at a loss for employment. Come quickly. Marguerite. "

On the way home Marguerite told her brother how Charlie was to come andsee her on Wednesday, and they arranged that Hirzel should stop aboutthe house so fearful of some violence occurring was Marguerite. 

CHAPTER IV. 

When Hirzel and his sister were out of sight, Jacques got down from hishiding place and walked after them with the intention of telling oldPierre what he had heard, and also to reveal to him a plan which hadsuggested itself to his evil mind for destroying the young soldier whenhe came to visit Marguerite on the following Wednesday evening. Jacqueschanged his mind about going in when he came near the mill. He sawthrough the open door Pierre talking with his children; he thought heshould not be able to see the old man alone that night, and besides, hehad a feeling which kept him back from entering Marguerite's presencewhen he was plotting against her happiness in such a deadly manner. SoGaultier turned his steps homeward, revolving in his mind the plan hehad laid out which was briefly this. The mill wheel was secured by arope which passed round the corner of the house and into a room behindthe granary, where it was fastened to a rafter. Now Gaultier thoughtthat when Charlie was standing on the wheel, if he could get old Pierreto unfasten the rope, the sudden starting round of the wheel wouldprecipiate Charlie into the stream below, where he must inevitably bedashed to pieces. Well thought of, Jacques Gaultier; but it is a pitythy ingenuity had not been turned to better account!

Jacques spent a most restless night, for the awfulness of the crimewhich he was meditating presented itself unceasingly to his mind; but, on the other hand, he pictured to himself Marguerite Charlie's wife, therefore lost to him. Not only did he hate Charlie on this score, butpolitical feeling, as well as the frank pleasant manner of the youngsoldier, assisted in making Jacques look hardly on him. He could'nt butremark the different manner in which he was treated. People ratheravoided than courted the society of "Dark Jacques Gaultier, " as he wascalled by the boys round his neighbourhood, with the disagreeablehonesty of "small boy" youth. 

Jacques was one of those unhappy beings who live with their blinds downand windows shut, morally speaking; and yet who wonder that they don'tget the bright light and pure air into their minds, which cause some oftheir brethren to be such refreshing bits in the way through life. Oneof these was Charlie: he went happily through life, carrying sunshinewith him wherever he went: he felt sorry for Jacques, and wouldwillingly have been friends with him, but in their relative positionsthis was impossible. All his overtures were received with decidedrudeness on the part of Jacques, when they received any notice at all, so Charlie gave up, and took the situation as inevitable. When morningcame Jacques rose very early and went down to the mill. He judged theearly morning to be the best time to see the old man by himself. In thishe was correct, for when he got there he found Pierre was the only onedown. He was standing in the little garden in the front of the house. After they had exchanged the customary greetings of the place, the oldmiller asked Jacques "what had brought him out so early. "

The latter told him all he had overheard the preceding evening, and thenhe unfolded his plan, for Charlie's destruction, but tried to impress onthe old man that he had better loosen the rope himself. 

This Pierre would not listen to; said his courage might fail him; thenpleaded his age, failing strength, and many other things; finally, hesaid, he would not do it, adding, "One would think I wanted the girl formy wife; no, do thy own business unless thou art very anxious to giveMarguerite to this fine soldier. I warrant me that will be the end ofit. "

"Father Pierre, thou well know'st I would sooner die a thousand timesthan _he_ should have her, so I will do the thing myself; but how shallI give reason for my presence here? Marguerite, for days, even weekspast, has been looking at me with suspicion in her eyes, as though shedivined my thoughts towards that lover of hers?"

"Leave all to me. Can I not have whom I like in my own house? I seethat though thou may'st not dread other things, thou art wellfrightened at a woman's looks. Well, well, there's something in that, too. "

"Yes, Father Pierre, there is; much sometimes. "

"But leave looks to mind themselves now, and I will show you what to do, and where to go. You can well be in the room behind the granary, as oneor two of the rafters need mending. Let Marguerite see you leave yourwork and start for home; then when she goes to show her light say 'Allis well, ' thou can'st come back and be ready for the bird with hisbright plumage. Ha! he would go elsewhere and pipe his song, did he knowthe manner in which we are preparing his perch!"

"That is all well; the popinjay can't escape us now. "

"Come in, Jacques, and have some breakfast with us; I think I hearMarguerite busy at it now. "

"Marguerite will not have a welcome for me, I know; but as she is to bemy wife, she may as well get used to my presence now. "

When they entered Marguerite turned round wondering who could be withher Father at such an early hour. On seeing who it was, her faceclouded, and she immediately experienced that same feeling of fear comeover her as she always had of late when she saw her Father and JacquesGaultier together. She said "good morning" to them, and then resumed thepreparation for the morning meal. Jacques' dark eyes followed her allabout the room; doubtless he was thinking of the time when she would beperforming the same duties under his roof, while she--Well, we will notpenetrate into her thoughts; no doubt she would prefer keeping them toherself, so we will let her, in the certainty that the train of thoughtwas very different to that of Jacques Gaultier. 

Hirzel now appeared, announcing that he was ready to eat up all, hissister included. Breakfast being ready, they all drew their chairs nearthe table, Marguerite begging Hirzel to come and sit near her, as shewanted to speak to him. The boy saw that she wished to keep Gaultieroff, and with his usual teasing way, he made signs behind that worthy'sback to the effect that his sister ought to ask him to sit by her. However, when Hirzel saw that his sister looked really troubled, he cameimmediately like a good brother and did what his sister wished. All thiswas not lost on that wretched Jacques, who between presentcircumstances, and his own thoughts of what must come before he gainedMarguerite, had by no means an enviable position. 

During the repast Pierre informed Hirzel that on the afternoon of thefollowing day he had a particular message to send him on, as it was onesome way off, he might take the cart or ride if he preferred it. 

"Very well, Father, I'll go for you; riding is best if I have nothingto carry. "

"And thou, Jacques, " said old Pierre, "will come after thy fishing ispast and mend the rafters I told thee of in the room behind thegranary. " "But Father, " said Hirzel, "why not let me do that work foryou? I would like to, and ride for this message the day after. "

Hirzel said this, because he remembered his sister's arrangement withCharlie, and he knew that she particularly wished him to be at home, especially now that there was some chance of Jacques being about. 

"Thou would'st like to work indoors? Why what has come to thee Hirzel?"

"You had better do what Father wishes Hirzel, " said Marguerite. She sawher brother was troubled as to what was best to be done; also, she wasvery much afraid lest he should say something to betray matters. So shethought she would settle it quietly, especially when she remembered thatCharlie would not come until she had shown the light, which she firmlyresolved should not be shown until Jacques was well out of the place. 

Breakfast being over, Jacques took his leave, and the others dispersedto their various occupations--each of the four with very differentthoughts and hopes as to what the morrow might bring forth, but atpresent, like all the rest of mankind, their first business was to getthrough "to-day" as well as they could. 

CHAPTER V. 

The morning following the events recorded in the last chapter wasushered in with bright sunshine, and everything pleasant, so far asoutward appearances went, in and out of the mill, though some heartswere restless or uneasy as to how it would be when the sun rose to runhis accustomed course the next morning. Charlie was perhaps the happiestof all those whose fortunes we are now following. He had but slightclouds to dim his horizon; at least his horizon as seen by his owneyes. He went cheerfully and gladly through his duties that morning, andnever did he more fully merit the name of "Happy Charlie" bestowed onhim by his comrades in the gallant 22nd than he did on the morning inquestion. The truth was he was beginning to tire of old Pierre Moullin'sdetermined refusal to have anything to say to him in the character ofson-in-law. He had made up his mind (and being of a hopeful nature, considered more than half the battle was fought in consequence), thatcome what might, he would prevail on Marguerite to marry him at once, and trust to gain her Father's forgiveness when the deed was done beyondrecall. And so our friend Charlie whistled and sang through this day, building all sorts of pleasant castles about his future life, littlethinking what a train was being laid, to which, if the match wereapplied, he and his castles would be blown up in a more sanguinary, ifnot more decisive manner, than these airy fabrications generally have toyield to!

Hirzel had been detained on various pretexts by his Father; inconsequence he was rather late in starting for this important businesson which he was to be despatched. From the time he managed to get off, it was not at all likely that he could be back before 10 o'clock. Marguerite's heart quite misgave her when she heard this, but as timemoved on, and it came to half-past 7, she was re-assured to find thatJacques Gaultier was putting away his tools, and finally left the house, saying that he had "work for himself at home, but would return thefollowing morning to finish repairing those rafters that had so suddenlygot out of repair. "

Matters seemed better still when her Father said he did not feel at allhimself that night, and that he thought he would go off to bed. Marguerite wished him "Good night;" and at 8 o'clock found herself aloneand mistress of her own actions. She might now have brought Charlie intothe house, but that she remembered her Father's prohibition of such athing; and at least she thought it best and fittest to leave him masterin his own house, at the same time reserving to herself liberty tocontrol her own actions. This was fair enough. 

At about 8 o'clock, as agreed on, Marguerite took her little lantern, and going round the path to where they had been standing two eveningsbefore, she flashed the light three times trusting that Charlie would beable to see it. Meanwhile Jacques had come out from one of the millsheds, where he had been concealed, and went quickly up to the roombehind the granary, only pausing on his way to tell old Pierre that hewas there. 

We will leave him waiting for his prey, with a dark sardonic smile onhis ill-favoured countenance, and return to Marguerite, who is waitingin the granary for her lover, confident that "all is well, " and havingno thoughts but pleasant ones concerning the coming meeting. Even theremembrance of Hirzel's absence brings no disquietude with it. Herthoughts shape themselves into a blessing when her brother's brightmanly face comes before her, and then she bends all her attention tolisten for Charlie's approach. 

She had been waiting for rather more than an hour, when she heard hername called softly; then up Charlie scrambled, and when standing on thewheel his head comes just half way up the window. 

"Well, here I am, Marguerite; I hope you were not alarmed at the time Ihave taken, but I was on duty when I saw your signal, and it was somelittle time before I could get away. "

"I was getting a little anxious, Charlie, but 'all is well' now that youhave come. "

"Ah, that is right! but how are you to-night, little woman--all thefancies fled?"

"Almost Charlie, but still not quite; you will think me very foolish, Iknow, but everything was so beautifully arranged for my seeing youeasily to-night that I can't help thinking that some one else has beenarranging too for some purpose of his own. "

"Come, come, you little croaker, try and put such thoughts out of yourpretty head, and remember I 'deserve the fair' after having been so'brave' as to mount this rickety wheel, but I wish you would take thisparcel from me; the bobbins are in it, which I have perilled my life tobring! I hope you see my devotion clearly, eh?"

"I do, indeed, Charlie, and now I shall work all the better and be morein earnest; I don't mean you to have all the work on your shoulders whenwe marry; I know I shall be able to get sale for my lace amongst thebeautiful ladies you tell me of in England. "

"Ah, Marguerite, that is just what I wanted to speak to you about; Isuppose your Father still wishes you to marry that rascal Gaultier? Bythe way, I believe he or some one very like him was sneaking round thecliffs on Monday night. After I left you, I fancied I saw him; it mightbe _only_ fancy. Did you see anything of him?

"I wish--. "

 * * * * *

Alas! poor Charlie! Will you speak again to finish that sentence andtell what you wish? For suddenly the mill wheel has turned round with atremendous crash, and the brave young soldier has been hurled down! AndMarguerite, what of her? With one agonized cry she rushed to the doorintending to run outside to see if anything could be done for Charlie, when she came face to face with Jacques Gaultier! In an instant it allflashed on her that he must have wrought this terrible work, and, overcome by grief and horror, she sank down in a deadly faint. Bad manas he was, Jacques was really overcome at the consequences of his act, for he thought he had also killed Marguerite. He called loudly to herFather, who came up hurriedly. He was also seriously alarmed when hisgaze rested on his child lying like one dead on the floor. Between themthey carried her downstairs and laid her on her bed. They applied suchrestoratives as suggested themselves, but as everything was for sometimequite unavailing, a more miserable pair it would have been difficult todiscover. 

Hirzel now came in. He was running upstairs to the granary when hisFather called him in to see if he could do anything for his poor sister. 

"A pretty night's work this, " he said, when he came into the room andsaw his sister lying there. 

At this moment she opened her eyes, and he went close to her and raisedher in his arms. With an expression of deep thankfulness, Marguerite'sfirst words were to send that murderer, Jacques Gaultier, away out ofher sight. Hirzel ordered him to leave the room, with more fierceness inhis tone than anyone had heard there before. 

"Oh! Hirzel, what shall I do without Charlie? Stay with me, only you, and I will tell you all. "

Hearing this her Father left the room, and Hirzel bent down andwhispered to her---

"Charlie is alive and well. He told me to tell you this himself. "

"Oh! Hirzel, you are deceiving me. How could he be alive after such adreadful fall? It was terrible. "

Here Marguerite's fortitude gave way, and she indulged in a flood oftears, while Hirzel looked at her with the masculine helplessness usualon such occasions, and indeed it seemed to cost the fine tender-heartedfellow an effort to keep from joining in them too. At last he said, "Well Marguerite, if you don't stop, I'll go off, and tell Charlie youonly cried after you heard he was alive and well. "

"Ah! Hirzel, is that not the way with our sex. Sometimes, to cry overthe best and happiest times while the worst is bravely borne?"

Hirzel then told Marguerite how he had met Charlie just outside at thefoot of the lane, considerably bruised and knocked about, though withoutany internal injuries. How he escaped was nothing short of a miracle, one of those things which occasionally happen, perhaps, to show whatcan be done when there is the will to do it. 

There was an iron loop which projected about a foot from the walls, thisCharlie made a spring at after the manner of a gymnast; he caught it, and although it came away in his grasp, yet it broke his fall, and whatwas of more importance, changed the direction of his course to thebrickwork alongside the wheel, instead of the water under it. Once onthe brickwork he jumped down into the garden, and went out into thelane, where he met Hirzel. 

Charlie did not for a moment suspect that there was anything but pureaccident in what had happened, and as he met Hirzel just at that momenthe judged it wisest not to return near the house in case he should getMarguerite into trouble; but after telling Hirzel to assure his sisterthat he was safe, he set off to the fortress, little thinking he wassupposed to be lying dead at the foot of the Moulin Huêt cliffs, carriedthere by the mill stream. 

Marguerite now told to her brother, her suspicions of how all hadhappened. He wished to go immediately and tax Jacques with the crime;but, in deference to his sister's wishes, remained where he was. Thenoise of the mill wheel turning round suddenly ceased, and on Hirzel'sgoing up to ascertain the cause, he found his Father tying up the ropein the room behind the granary. This rope passed out of a small roundhole in the wall of this room, and round the corner of the house whereit was attached to the wheel. The window through which Charlie andMarguerite had been talking was rather a large one, but had some ironbars across which had prevented Marguerite leaning out to see what hadbecome of Charlie. This perhaps was as well, for at best his descentwould have been extremely trying to look at. 

The next morning did not bring Jacques to finish his work, but in theevening he appeared, after vainly trying to induce Marguerite to speakto him, which naturally she was very loath to do, went and commenced hiswork, which he went steadily on with, though he was very much fatiguedby having no rest the preceding night, and now had been out fishing allday. He sat down to rest for a few minutes when he fell asleep. Afterdark old Pierre came round to lock all the doors, as was his nightlycustom. Looking in and not seeing Jacques he supposed he had gone andlocked that door also. Pierre then went to rest himself, and all wereburied in slumber, with the exception of Hirzel, who had gone over toJerbourg to acquaint Charlie with all that had happened. About 9o'clock, as Charlie and Hirzel were coming out of the barracks, they sawflames rising in the direction of the mill. It was but the work of amoment for Charlie to run back and get leave for some of his comrades tocome with him, and off they set for the mill. On arriving there theyfound their surmises correct: both house and mill were enveloped inflames. Marguerite and her Father were safely out, but the latter was ina dreadful state of misery at seeing all his property go like this. Charlie went up to him after he had spoken to Marguerite, and said hewould try and save the wheel for future murders. Seeing Charlie, whom hefully thought to be dead, and hearing these words, the old man shrankback with horror. He fell on his knees and begged Charlie to forgivehim, adding that it was not he who had done it, but Jacques. Charlieraised the old man, saying all should be forgiven and forgotten on onecondition. That condition we need hardly state was permission to marryMarguerite without further trouble. Until Pierre had said so Charlie, had no idea that he knew any thing of his intended destruction. Itsaddened him very much and made him very sorry for the old man; however, he had other things to think of, so he set all the other soldiers tohand up water from the mill stream, which was now running for somelittle time. Suddenly a shout from one of the soldiers called Charlie'sattention, and on going to see what it was, he found him dragging a bodyout of the mill stream. With some difficulty he recognized JacquesGaultier, as it was rather dark just there. Jacques revived a little, and told Charlie how on waking he had found the room full of smoke, andfinding the door locked he broke it down, but the door of the granaryresisted all his efforts, so he put all his strength towards tearing thebars from the window. He succeeded in this and got out on the wheel, butdirectly he tried to get down the rope--which doubtless had been muchcharred by the flames--gave way, and down he went. He had seen from thewindow, Charlie and his comrades coming, and this endued him withfurther strength, but all to no purpose. He implored Charlie'sforgiveness, and turning over with a groan he died. 

Little now remains to be told. Owing to the exertions of the soldierssome of the machinery was saved, but the old man never made any use ofit; he had too great a horror of anything like a mill after his pastexperiences. Charlie and Marguerite were soon married. They lived atCastle Cornet for some time, and after the restoration went with theRegiment to England, where Marguerite could display her loyaltyundisturbed. Hirzel remained heart-whole to the last we hear of him, andafter his Father's death went and lived with his sister in England, tosee for himself some of the wonders which Charlie had described to himin his own little Island home.