The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

284 THE SIX SISTERS OF THE VALLEYS.
Gastaldo's edict of the Swiss cantons of
Zurich, Basle, Schaffhausen, and Appenzel,
dated March 5, has produced no effect.
There's some one coming ! Who is this ?
Ah, Raynald, my boy, where hast thou
been ? Shielding some helpless one from
harm, I feel assured."
" Father, father, I fear that fraud and
treachery are preparing death for us. I
have heard of so many separate acts of
murder and barbarity, that it looks like the
prelude to a general massacre. But oh !
father, how can I talk to you in this quiet
manner ? Ardoine is taken. She went to
the grave of her mother, she was seen by a
Piedmontese officer, the one who delivered
Gastaldo's order to us on the 25th of Ja-
nuary, and with whom I had the wrangle
he has decoyed and carried her off."
—
" God of heaven !" cried the elder,
" give us patience to bear what thou seest
fit to lay upon us. And hast thou heard
anything of thy mother, Raynald ?"