The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-01-02
CHAPTER XIII-Continued.

UdcAty. AS the rlgOrS OF the times
and privations of the people increased
he pushed his ventures and specula-
lions, trading the necessaries Of life at
exOrbitant valuations for cotton, which
commanded enormous gold prices in
the markets of the world. Though en-
barge was laid by the authorities upon
expectation of the staple, he success
fully Struggled cargoes down the
Atchafalaya through Berwick bay to
French traders and brought back pack
cts Of consols and notes of the Bank of
France.
A strange companionship came to be
observed. Evariste Oakfen and guile
bert were seen much together and not
infrequently at Dede's cabaret, but so
engrossed were the neighbors with the
growing miseries of their isolation that
theirs was only silent wonder.
The rumor that the two were part
ners in contraband adventures was re-
ceived with mere struggling of Shout
ders and turning up of eyes, save by
Estelle, who repealed them as malicious
and whose trusting heart was satisfied
with Evariste's explanation that his
intimacy with Quillebert and the caba-
ret was intended to enable him the bet
ter to guard her grandfather, for it
was true that Leonidas was almost dali
~ the third of the trio at Dede's test
ing the fortune of cards with Quille-
bert; that he made periodical settle
ments of losses by giving promissory
notes, and habitually reached his gate
stupefed by rotations Of rum
After one of these seances, the old
man having been lifted to his saddle
and his horses head turned home
ward, Quillebert and Evariste sat at
table in the cabaret, the former drink
ing brandy, the latter slipping a light
wine.
"How much Of Latiolais' paper do
you hold?" asked Evariste.
sixteen thousand dollars, to be paid
in gold," Quillebert answered.
"How much Of it is secured by mort
gage?"
ELEVEN thousand dollars"
"What will you take for half the
whole batch?'
Fifty bales of cotton"
"Have I that much under your shed
now?"
Eyes; more"
"Where are the notes?"
AT my house."
Twill you transfer them today?"
eyes, If you will come with me. But
why do you want this paper, and what
need is there for such hastey''
1T does not concern you to know.
Come" Evariste said. rising from his
chair.
II am not so sure Of that" replied
Quillebert, following him.
The exchange having been completed,
Evariste continued on to the Latiolais
home. Most solicitously he piled Es-
telle with inquiry as to her comfort
and health, the affairs of her planta-
ton and behavior Of her slaves.
"None Of these matters gives me the
care that my dear grandfather does,
NJ. Evariste," she said sadly. mot
only does his intemperance increase
appallingly, but he seems haunted by
some secret fear, and he cannot sleep
unless in his cups or under the effect
of drug. So kind, so gentle and low
ing, it is killing me to see his old age
thus miserable. am sure much of it
is due to his association with NJ. Guile
bert. Oh, can you not stand between
him and that wicked MANI?
"Mademoiselle, believe me, l am sin
cerely distressed by what you say and
am doing all properly can to effect
what you desire. A more direct inter-
by NJ. Latiolais and render me power
less for future service in his behalf.
But let us be hopeful. For your sake
will be watchful and ready to act for
his protection" Evariste accompanied
his words with look and gesture of sin
cerest devotion.
II know you will. I know you WILL"
Estelle replied, land I trust in your
friendship and tact unquestioningly, as
your noble brother babe me-"
Evariste flushed and said:
us it impossible for me to win your
confidence by my own merit, made
1uoiselle? Must have it only at the
bidding Of another, though that other
be my brother?''
IN. Evariste,' Estelle exclaimed, "do
not speak so! You wrong yourself,
your brother and me by such words"
POSSIBLY, but I have feelings, though
you persist in ignoring Them
my friend, forgive me if word of
mine has wounded you. 1 did not so
intend. Your brother always delighted
at the mention of you, and I suppos-
ed"-
Eyes, mademoiselle, except when he
is held up as the lens through which
alone I am seen. only mean that
strive by my own endeavors to deserve
your trust and seek it not through the
inspiration Of another