The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 71 (1/2)

The two friends forced their way through the underbrush, Esperance a little in advance Suddenly he beheld in an open space a prostrate form

It was that of a woround He uttered a hoarse cry It was she whose life he had so recently saved--it was Jane Zeld A s her in his vigorous arms, made his way into the road

CHAPTER LII

”WILL JANE ZELD LIVE?”

Goutran had not seen the face of the burthen borne by Esperance, who had uttered no name, and whose movements had been so rapid that Goutran had so hio? He had not asked himself this question Goutran ran after hi that dead body?” he shouted

Esperance stopped short ”Was she dead?” he asked himself ”No, no,” he cried, ”she lives--she breathes! She must not die!”

”Do you know this woman?” asked Goutran Suddenly he started back

Jane was still wrapped in the oriental stuff He remembered the material

”Good heavens!” he cried, ”what does this mean? It is Jane!”

They reached the avenue, and looked about for a carriage, but none was to be seen

”Where are we to take this poor thing?” said Goutran

”To my rooms,” answered Esperance ”But I am afraid she will die in my arms!”

”I will hasten on and arouse the servants, and have everything prepared”

”Yes, by all , and shall be there almost as soon as yourself”

In a very few minutes they reached the hotel, which Goutran opened with a key given him by Esperance They entered the corridor that led to the rooms formerly occupied by Haydee

Esperance, with infinite precautions, laid Jane on the bed

The girl's hair had fallen loose, and its darkness round for her delicate features

When Esperance saw this frail for the eyes, he yielded to his emotion and sobbed like a child He was very unlike his father, and in these few moments he probably suffered more than his father had ever done

Goutran, in theto the side of the bed, he leaned over the girl

”Esperance!” he said, ”rouse yourself, if you wish to save her!”

With a violent effort Esperance resuht, my friend But if Jane is dead, I shall die also, for I love her--I love her!”

And he uttered these words in a tone of such sincerity that Goutran understood the whole