Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-10-09

asked ono of the squaws if she knew
the stranger. She shook her head and
pointed to the opposite shore.
HE came from that direction, had
barely strength enough to draw his
bark to shore and then he lay down to
Sleep" The woman spoke in the low,
musical tones of her race. She, too,
raised a corner Of the blanket and
smiled sadly, for the face she saw was
young and handsome, but marked by
fatigue and privation- The sleeper
stirred and opened his eyes. They en-
those Of the lady and the two
gazed at each other with mutual inter-
est.
ssCome with me-" said Mrs. Vernon;
'syou need food and rest"
The boy arose and made q gesture
with his hand. 1J
1.-THE Great Spirit has shut his mouth!''
said the squaw. Sttf
Mrs. Vernon, believing him to be .
deaf mute, motioned him to follow her.
Arrived at her house, she spread boun-
tiful meal before him, to which he APP
piled himself with the ardor of long
abstinence, and then laying his head
upon the table fell asleep. Mrs Vernon
would not disturb him, wisely Judging
that nature was the best restorative, but
she gazed at him with troubled ex-
preston as if some long-buried hope
was struggling back to life again. Il,
The shadows of night were beginning
to creep into the room when Ariel
awoke and began to recall the events
of the day, the central figure in which
was that beautiful woman of his own
blood, yet superior to, all OF the race
whom he had ever seen. His revery
was disturbed by the sound of voices in
an adjoining room, the door of which
was open, and he listened because he
could not help it, but soon his interest
was aroused.
Nine. Chevreul was speaking: "Yml
know, dear friend, how rejoiced we woke
when Lemourier departed with his COM
mand, and yet never lost tho feeling
that his hatred would find some means
to reach us, especially through De Bar
FAC, who is too proud to take precau-
tons. But have enlisted his friend
our friend I should say-Mr. Marden, to
whom I have related every thing. He
is not only brave, but prudent and saga
cious, and 1 have his promise that he
will guard his friend; and as they occu-
Ply the same apartment, I feel moro as
sured." a
''And Nine. Destain?"
''Oh, she is an enigma. She is so
reserved, can not fathom her. ! some
times think she has no heart, or that
she left it in France. She is more ap-
proachable to Mr.. Marden; she enjoys
his conversation, she smiles at his wit
ticisms, she is charmed with his songs
of love and war. If he wore vain man,
he might aspire, but he is not
''That is the reason she likes him.
She is tired Of lovers"
sit may be so; but it seldom happens
to young girls. Nlnon therefore must
be an exception. And she is so proudl
am suro that De Barzac loves her, yet
he does not press his suit. She freezes
him.
IN. De Barzac is wise. Some day the
ice will melt
81 hope it may be so, provided nothing
dreadful occurs in tho interval; bat
have premonition."
''My dear friend, you are simply
nervous. See, now, Lemourier is far
distant; M. De Barzac is here sur
rounded by friends; Nine. Destain, in
the bosom of your own family, is we'll
protected-what then?"
''Ah, yes, it is true. / know that I
am weak, and yet the apprehension re-
MAINS"
"Dear Nine. Chevreul, you are a
Christian. Remember that there is but
ono protector and that by His strength
we stand
The French lady kissed the jeweled
cross suspended from her neck.
''Would that I had your faith" she
said.
at has been my staff of life-the firm
foundation on which my weary feet
have rested through years of solitude
and bereavement. Seek and We shall
find"
Nine. Chevreul arose and took her
departure.
After moments hesitation Ariel
entered the apartment and bowed
deeply to Mrs. Vernon.
''How handsome he isl" was her first
thought, and then unconsciously aloud,