Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1891-02-20


his and descend to his children.
Chopart made dreadful threats, and so
intimidated the Indians that, in coun
Gil called for the purpose, they agreed
that, if permitted to remain where they
were, they would pay heavy tribute, in
the nature Of rent or tax; and so the
red men were made mere slaves in all
but name to the avaricious commander
of the fort.
1t was while matters stood thus that a
young man by the name of Alphonse de
Villars arrived at Fort Rosalie. He was
strikingly handsome youth, with
dashing air, and, as he brought letters
from Perier, he was treated with unlim-
tied courtesy. He had lately come over
from France, was a member of a distin
guished and influential family, and was
burning with the desire for wild adven-
ture. Chopart, of course, felt the value
of the favor of so distinguished a visitor,
whose influence might hasten the pro-
motion that had been so long withheld;
therefore, he made him his special guest,
and this led to meeting between Made
moiselle Claire Roman and the young
man, who forthwith became her devoted
lover.
Monsieur Roman, Claire's father, was a
wealthy trader, who, since the bursting
of John Laws celebrated scheme, had
been one of the chief fnanciers of the
Louisiana colonies. At the time Of our
story he was sojouruing for an indefinite
time at Fort Rosalie, in the interest of
some trading scheme, and had with him
his family, consisting of Madame Roman
and Claire.
The love which, like that described in
all good old romances, sprang up be-
tween these two young and exceptionally
endowed people was so strong aud evil
IDENTITY so genuine that no opposition to
it was offered by Claire's parents. 1t was
love in a wilderness, but the wilderness
was a paradise of birds, flowers, warm
sunshine and balmy breezes.
Claire Roman, by the sweetness and
kindness of her disposition, as we'll as
by her rare beauty, had endeared herself
to the garrison of Fort Rosalie and to all
the people dwelling near. Even the
Indians, sullen and silent, who came to
trade with the whites, learned to love
her. The Sun himself became her friend,
and, although able to speak but little in
broken French, was always proud to ex
change a few pleasant words with her
whenever the opportunity offered. H.
deed, it was apparent that she had a
great influence over him. lie called her
"Sweet Violet" and often brought her
little presents, such as he would have
offered a child.
Alphonse de Villiars was almost con-
stantly in CIaire's company, so free was
the life of that wild and remote place,
and it chanced that the Sun often met
them together. At such times he in'
variably ignored the young mans pres
ence and treated Claire as if she had
been entirely alone. This treatment
CALLED the Frenchman's pride and he
resented it with insult of which the Sun
took no perceptible notice.
care you deafl Cant you hear a
gentleman when he addresses your ex-
claimed the young man one day, when
some civil words, meant to conciliate the
Sun for Claire's sake, were received in
silence. 81 will make you speak, sir"
and he half drew his sword.
The Sun flashed a quick glance upon
him and drew himself up defantly, but
did not utter a word.
Claire interferea ct once, and the Sun
turned and walked majestically away.
All this took place on bright Novem-
Der morning in the little street, which
was scarcely more than path, near the
rude but comfortable house temporarily
occupied as home by Monsieur Romans
family.
On the following night the Sun sent
out to each village of his tribe an ennis
sary, bearing bundle of five slender
reeds, with secret orders to the effect
that on the next and every succeeding
morning reed should be removed.
When the fifth reed should be withdrawn
that was to serve as a sigual for a move
ment against the whites.
So quietly and secretly was this done,
that not a suspicion was aroused at Fort
Rosaie.
On the fifth day the Sun came early
into the town. One by one and two by
two the braves Of his tribe, in accordance
with the secret arrangement, strolled
carelessly in, apparently unarmed, and
went about talking of traffic with the
traders of the garrison.
Claire and Alphonse de Villars as
usual were together that morning seated
side by side on rude bench under tree
near the Roman house, enjoying (while
they told over and over again the tender
phrases of romantic love- all the sweets
of bird song, leaf-rustle and gently blow
ing wind. A hazy atmosphere, made
golden and dreamily soft by a flood Of
tempered sunlight, shimmered over the