The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1899-12-22

by Harris Dickson, a young attor-
ney OF Vicksburg, Mississippi, but
who has evidently given much time
to the study Of the history Of the
times in which he places his nara
tive, which he tells with the faculty
OF born story teller.
The scene OF the story is laid
partly in France during the
troublous times OF Louis XIV, and
partly in America in the province Of
Louisiana. 1t tells Of fine ladies
who coquetted a, one moment. and
schemed the next, with knowledge
of politics that would put the ''new
woman" Of today TO shame. Bold
and brave men rush in and out,
hacking and hewing and boasting,
and bullying outrageously, but
Ioyally serving God and the king,
according TO their ideas upon the
subject.
The prelude says: France in
the old world and in the new. The
France OF romance and glory ulds
Henry Of Navarro; Of piide and
glitter under Louis XIV, in whose
reign was builded. under the silver
lilies, that empire, Louisiana-in
the vague, dim valley Of the Mis-
sissippi across the sea. These are
the scenes wherein this drama is
played. Through these times runs
the tale which follows. Times when
a mans good sword was ever his
'truest friend, when he who fought
best commanded most respect. Ii
was the era OF lusty men-the weak
went to the wall.
!, King and courtier. soldier ard
diplomat, lass and lady, these are
the people with whom this story
! deals. If, therefore, you find brave
, men fighting and swords hanging
too loosely in their sheaths; if honor
clings round an empty shadow. and
, the women seem more fair than
) honest, | pray you remember when
these things did happen, who were
the actors, and the stage whereon
! they played"
The opening scene is in Louis
lana. Captain DeMouret returning
: in company with friendly Choctaws
< from a reconnaissance of the Chick
a~haw country, is ordered by Bien-
n vile, governor OF the colony, to 60
TO France at once to carry some
J. confidential documents, 10 be laid
by Bienevill's brother before the
: king.
4 The king has been considering
= the sale of the territory to Spain,
!, and courtiers around him are urging
4 him to the step, misrepresenting
conditions in the new world and
keeping the facts from him. Bien-
vile is surrounded by spies and
! traitors, and puts his faith in the
! honesty and loyalty Of DeMouret.
: He Is not betrayed. The faithful
: ness of the young man 10 his trust
under difficult conditions is a lesson
e IN board the ship he falls in with
Il a mai who proves aiterwaid to be an
j. enemy Of BIenvilIe and a spy, and
: who, except for a weakness Of tenn
It per that betrayed his true character.
a is in fair way to win DeMouret's :
u secret from him. On his arrival at
!, Versailles. De Mouret finds himself
, at once in an atmosphere Of du-
s-lplici V, but performs his errand by
!, turning over his papers to the per-
a son TO whom they were addressed.
= and does more than this in behalf
v of his chief. Accidentally attracting
l. the attention Of the king, he is sum
" monAd into the royal presence and
10 questioned as to conditions in Louis
Ie lana. While there he asks justice
: Tor Bienville, which he obtains.
N Tn. n he falls violently in love
z With young lady. but does not
learn her name for months after
wards.
d The Black .yolfe's Breed is pub
% lished by the Bowen Merrill Co.,
= indianapolis, $50.
D Rr-u,yn NJ Nrrurp<