The League of the Rose.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 154, 2 July 1930, Page 20

The League of the Rose.

The true story of two brave Englishmen who risked their lives to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine during the French Revolution.

SYNOPSIS,

The "League of the Rose" was formed by .1 group of adventure-loving, chivalrous Englishmen, who risked their lives to assist the victims of the French Revolution. The existence and successful work of the League are proved by the secret police archives. Its leader was REGINALD DE NEMOURS, a young man of exceptional courage and great histrionic ability, who spoke French like :i native. His love for Mdlle. Christine ile Lamark forms the , pivot of the tale. During the terrible days of the revolution, Christine's father was captured by the revolutionaries, and thrown into prison on a charge of treason. Her mother and sister v/ere in peril, and Christine, who had been received at the English Co\irt, appealed to FRANCOIS DE LA GRANGE, a member of the National Assembly, for a safe conduct to England, where she hoped to persuade the English Minister to interrode for her family with, the revolutionary leaders. De la Grange had obtained the safe conduct, but in exchange demanded that Christine should become his wife. England again declared war on France, and no influence could be brought to bear on the revolutionaries. In her distress, Christine is befriended by the League of the Rose, and on her return to France she is met by SIR. KIDNEY" SMKTH and his staunch comrade Captain Wright. By a daring ruse they get Christine , '? father out of prison, overpowering the guard and coachman and taking their places, cleverly disguised. They also pick up Christine's mother an-.l sister. After a thrilling moment of suspense at the St Denis Gate they get through, and set off at full speed. ■

For a time no one spoke; so swift and overwhelming had been the events of the last hour that.it seemed to the girl she must needs be in the grip of a fearful dream." She came to herself with, a sudden epasm of terror. Behind' them, growing louder every moment, came the pounding of galloping horses. The •driver had heard it, too, but instead of increasing his speed, he drew the coach' into a side path and waited. Almost at once_ a light flashed and a wliistie shrilled. "That's our leader and • Captain Wright," Sir Sydney exclaimed with a chuckle. "I'll wager they easily fooled the soldiers and got away by feigning blind -rage at your escape. That was our plan. The guards at the gate have no horses and cannot follow for some time." '•Drive on Sydney, drive on," a voice rang out exultantly. "It's a shame you weren't there when the fun. started. Just as those fools bent over our papers Wright pretended to notice yoiir flight. His yell caused the sergeant and his two pals to rush to the gate, and when they saw the coast was empty they naturally ran to the.door through which you'd gone. ■ That was what we wanted. I caught one a crack on the head that sent Mm spinning, picked him up and tumbled him into the old coach. Wright did as much for the other, but by then the sergeant had grasped what was up , and showed fight. . I downed him with his own musket, and before he could summon assistance we had them all inside, gagged and chained to the bench. I gave the horses the whip and sent them : galloping into the town. Hurry now,- drive like the devil—we'll,ride ahead." As the flippant words trailed away and the horses swung into their stride, Christine suddenly knew where she had heard that voice before; in a flash the vision of a red-haired soldier, facing the frenzied mob.that struggled to enter the King's palace, rose before her eyes, and her heart contracted with joy. He, then, was :the daring leader to whom they owed their lives. Then followed a wild, fantastic dash through the night, that seemed endless. Once they stopped at a farmhouse where fresh horses were waiting, then on again. At last, when already dawn was tinging the east, the panting, foam-flecked beasts were brought to .a halt, the sea was in sight, and at anchor not far from the shore rode a ship. In the boat that was-waiting to take them on board was Captain Wright, wrapped in a heavy cloak, while a sturdy, red-haired sailor sat at the oars. Despite his change of garments, Christine divined that this was the man, playing the parts of soldier, coachman, and sailor with equal skill,'who had brought them safely from out of the grisly shadow of death. His voice it was slie had heard that night triumphantly telling the tale of the fight at the St. Denis Gate, and she gazed at him with tear-dimmed eyes, her heart swelling with love. When, at last they r were well out at sea, she hurriedly soufrht'ner father and' implored ; him to tell her who this man was and where he was hidden, for she had vainly searched the ship. At her question M. de Lamark seemed strangely embarrassed. "He did not come with us, my child," ho said. "Moreover, before I reveal his name I must know how matters stand with your suitor, de la Grange." Thereupon Christine confessed that she was determined never to see him again and that he had to help them unless sho first ."became his. wife.. ... "That fits in with what I have heard," her father said fiercely; "so, since you do not love de la Grange, I can. tell you the truth. It was he who betrayed me to Robespierre , and his cronies to save his own skin. Now I can speak of that noble youth Reginald de Nemours, who worships.; you." . . "That dissipated coxcomb!" Christine exclaimed wMi contempt. A creature who can find time to divert himself with women sr;ch as Marie Estelle, while his friends are unselfishly risking their lives," and she related what she had seen at the house in the rue St. Denis. To her amazement her father smiled broadly at the' tale. "No doubt that actress is a spy. and by flirting with her he obtained much useful information. As leader of the League of the Rose he must know what our enemies plot." "What?" Christine cried wildly, clutcning at the table. "You are jesting, Father!" "Indeed, no. The red-haired sailor, the soldier of the King's guard, and the uncouth revolutionary who saved us all last, night are one and the same, Reginald de Nemours. He is the head of this , Land of heroic Englishmen to whom so many of our kinsmen owe their lives and freedom. You see, he believed you loved de la Grange, and for the safety of his comrades he dared not reveal himself to you* since .he knew the fellow to be in the pay of the police.""Oh, blind, blind fool I have been!" the '■•girl sobbed, sinking to her knees.

By H. ASHTON-WOLFE.

' "My brain was dull, but my heart divined the truth —that is why it hurt me so when- I saw him kissing that woman. And now he has returned to Paris and may be killed." And at the terrible vision a storm of weeping shook Christine. By the time the ship entered Dover Harbour, however, she had reached a decision. Since the man she loved was unselfishly risking his life in order to save- unfortunate men and women from the guillotine, she would return also and fight by his side. Without even wishing her parents good-bye, she slipped aboard the Maid of Orleans at night. A week later by devious roads Christine arrived in Paris, and hurried at once to the rue St. Denis. As before, the gates of the house were unlocked, and the place was dark and apparently deserted. She had expected "this, however, and ran up=the stairs, intending to hide until de Nemours or one of his friends should come. She easily found the room in which she had waited before, and, worn out with constant travelling, she settled herself on a couch for a few hours' sleep. Hardly had she closed her eyes when soft, furr tive footsteps sounded on the'stairs, and she heard a man exclaim: — "Now is the time to search these rooms, my friend. Those devils will be busy plotting how to help their leader, and they'll not find it easy. We've at least the night before us. If only we can discover how many men belong to tills League of the Rose, and who they are, we'll soon have them all." Then followed the rattle of flint and steel and a ray of light shone under the door. "In here first," a voice she recognised cried sharply. It was Tom Foster, the spy, who had tried to enter her room at Dover. Now he was on the track of the men who had rescued her father. But Fate hftd been kind: she had come in time to overhear his plans. Without hesitation she crept into the passage. In a room just opposite two figures were

actively opening drawers and cupboards, and she saw with delight that the window was heavily barred and the door of stout oak. A sudden pounce slammed it shut, and she swiftly, turned the r key. At once a shower of blows and kicks, accompanied by a volley of furious curses proved the men were fairly trapped. Heavy feet clattered up the stairs, and Christine perceived with dismay that her only retreat was cut off. She had started to run to the floor above when a voice cried inj English:— "Devil take me, what's all this,about?" Christine sprang eagerly forward. "Oh, hush! "she cried. "Don't let them hear you!" . "Why, it sounds like little Christine!" came the whispered reply. "It is, it is, and I know you now, Sir Sydney. I've locked Tom Foster and one. of his men in that room. They came to search the house." : "What Lafourche, alias Tom Foster! That's good! But in Heaven's name how do you com,e to be here?" "I returned with the ship to help you. Tell me—l heard those creatures say that—that your leader, was in trouble. Is it—Monsieur de Nemours?" And her voice quivered with dread. "So you know, little girl—and you care! Alas, yes, he is caught. That scoundrel de la Grange gave him away. Oh, I crave your pardon!" "You needn't. I know he is a traitor and-and I love your wonderful leader That is really.why I cam© back. I want to be near him." "Well, Reggie won't mind even losing his head when he hears that. I shouldn't tell you, of course, but Devil take that noise!" He broke off abruptly as their prisoners attacked the door with redoubled fury. "I've my pistols. Open the door, Mademoiselle Christine. I'll teach those fellows to behave." As the key turned a violent jerk sent the door smashing inwards, but the sight of,the levelled weapons caused -the angry men to recoil in terror. / "There's some rope in that cupboard by the window," Sir Sydney remarked, watching the spies with a grim smile. "Tie their hands together, mademoiselle, loop the end round their necks and then fasten it to the table. I'll shoot the first man who moves." When Christine had completed her task the Englishman removed the widebrinrraed hats that concealed their faces. "I thought so," he said with biting contempt. "Lafourche and our worthy Monsieur de la Grange. A pretty pair of rogues." Thereupon, with deft hands, he bound a scarf over each man's mouth, drew the girl from the room and locked the door.

"That means the end," he exclaimed ruefully. "If only I could arrange for Reggie's escape." To his amazement Christine laughed. "A woman's wits are as good as those of an officer in the King's ■ Navy. We have de la Grange, and by all accounts the beast is in close touch with Robespierre and his henchmen. I know his house and his housekeeper knows me; Search the fellow, he probably carries documents that prove he is an agent of the secret police. I'll show them to the woman as- proof that he sent me to wait hi his rooms. Trust me to find something there that will help us." Sir Sydney looked at the girl with shining eyes; then without a word he entered the prisoners' room. Five minutes later he reappeared and displayed a ring. "This is better than a paper," he said. "Go, and God speed you!" . Christine returned triumphant. "Here is a safe conduct for the citizen Pierre Louis Barbot, signed by the Minister of Police, which I foitnd on a table. You perceive Barbot is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, height five feet, aquiline nose and round chin. How well that description fits me; get me some clothes that will also fit, and cut my hair." "Good heavens—you mean ? Never —your, beautiful hair, Reggie would kill me. Besides how will that help him?" "That is what you should have asked at once, instead of raving about my hair. I have a blank form also, which you must fill in, and here is a police seal. Where' is he detained ?" "Oh, at the permanence in the faulbourg St. Houore. They don't know who he-is yet." He was merely arrested for smuggling a note to a noble at the conciergerie." "Thank heaven for that! To-morrow morning I'll go there as a girl of the people,and try to cozen the officer into letting me speak to my fiance. If he is not too harsh I may even persuade him

to let his prisoner go. If that fails you must fill up this paper in the usual way. I shall oome with you as Pierre Barbot, courier of the Minister of Police,, with orders to take the prisoner.to Le Havre. Meanwhile, you must warn Captain Wright and all the others to disperse, and. to ride to Calais."' To this the sailor agreed reluctantly enough. Dressed in a dainty cotton frock, Christine arrived at the office of the police official just as the prisoner was being questioned. The commissaire was a kindly man and made no demur when the girl hegged to speak to her lover. But farther than this he would not- go. Reginald de Nemours, garbed in rough peasant's clothes, feigned to be surly stupid, but his face had become' pale as death at her unexpected presence. Sydney Smith had foreseen that Christine would fail, and when she returned to the rue St. Denis, she found him busy preparing the bogus orier. This done he cut her hair, cursing aid groaning at every snip of the scissors; finally he smeared her cheeks with dust and affixed a tiny moustache and whiskers with spirit gum. When she had donned her uniform a grin of delight swept the gloom from his face. "Perfect!" he cried. "Just perfect. Now give me ten minutes to change and to place some food where those rascals can get it, and then we'll be off. Wright is on his way to Calais to warn Terreneuve." It was Christine's turn to stare incredulously when at last the sailor reappeared. Lank, untidy black\hair hung in greasy strands over brow and cheeks, an evil leer distorted the firm mouth. "Come, Barbot," he growled. "Let's hurry now; the gates shut at nine. I've a ramshackle coach downstairs." Luck was with them, the commissairo was absent when they arrived, and his deputy gave only a casual glance at the papers Sir Sydney flourished. Their ruffianly appearance and the, tricolour belts they wore, appeared to allay all suspicion, and Reginald de Nemours was bundled with scant courtesy into the coach, which drove at once to the St. Antoine gate. There, too, the laissez passer of Pierre Barbot was a potent talisman; they passed without trouble and started at once on their long drive to the coast. Jacques Terreneuve stared with disgust at the uncouth creatures who climbed on board his ship, but suddenly he burst into a roar of laughter. "You deceived even me, Sir Sydney," he cried with delight. "But who is this?" "A new recruit," the Englishman answered carelessly, and turning to de

Nemours, added: "You owe your freedom to Pierre Barbot, old fellow, but something tells me you'll again be his prisoner soon!" And with a chuckle he strode away. The young man stared after his friend, startled at the strange words, then he swung round and looked searchingly at this mysterious new recruit. Christine was tearing moustache and whiskers from her face; a sweep of her hand sent the woollen cap to the deck, and as she rubbed her cheeks with a dainty lace-edged kerchief, her sweet femininity was disclosed. "My God!" burst from the startled man. "Christine, you —it is you:," and his voice trembled with longing and love. Then he saw the tender light in her eyeSj his arms opened, and with a sob of joy and passion, the girl rested her head on- his breast. "Prisoners both," she breathed softly, "You are mine and I am yours."