Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-09-24

he liked jolly company, a
glass Of something strong and a large
share of ease. Detroit lay many miles
northeastward across the wilderness,
and the English. he thought, would
scarcely come SO far TO attack his little
post, especially now that most OF the
Indians in the intervening country had
declared in favor Of the Americans.
Recently, too, the weather had, beer
fnyoring him by changing from wet to
dry, so that the upper Wabash and Its
tributaries were falling low and would
soon be very difficult to navigate with
large batteaux.
Very little was done to repair the
stoekade and dilapilated remnant of a
blockhousc. There were no sufficient
barracks, q mere shed in one angle
serving for Quarters. and the old can
non could not have been used TO any
effect Ill case of attack. AS for the
garrison, 1t was q nominal quantity,
made up mostly Of men who preferred
hunting and fishing to the merest pre-
tense of military duty.
Gaspard Roussilon assumed to know
everything about Indian affairs and
the condition of the English at Detroit.
His optimistic eloquence lulled Helm
to a very pleasant sense Of security.
Beverley was not so easy to satisfy,
but his suggestions regarding military
discipline and a vigorous prosecution
Of repairs to the b%lockhouse and stock
o6A yraY,a fro0faH with F1f1a tow ronjo1i-.
ty by his superior officer. The soft
wonder of a perfect Indian summer
glorified land, river and sky. Why not
dream and bask? Why not drink ex-
hilarating toddies?
Meantime the entertainment to be
given by Gaspard Roussillon occupied
everybody's imagination to an unusual
extent. Rene de Ronyille, remember
ing but not needing the doubtful sue
cess of his former attempt, went long
beforehand to claim Alice as his i
.partenaire, but she fatty refused him,
more reminding him of his obliga-
tons to little Adrienne Bourcier. lie
would not be convinced.
you are bound to me-" he said. You
promised before. you know, and the
party was but put off. l hold you to it.
You are my partenaire and | am yours;
you can't deny that"
mo, you are not my partenaire," she
firmly said. then added lightly, Ecu
mon %partenaire, you are dead and
buried as my partner at that dance"
He glowered in silence for a few mo-
then said:
ct is Lieutenant Beverley, l sup
She gave him a quick, %contemptuous
look, but turned 1t instantly into one
Of her tantalizing smiles.
do you imagine that?" she demand
ed.
Imagine It! l know it," he said
a hot flush. "Have l no sense?"
Precious little" she replied with a
merry laugh.
You think So"
go to Father Beret, tell him every
hing. and then task him what he
she said in a calm, ever tone,
Ter face growing serious.
There was an awkward silence.
She had touched Rene's vulnerable
pot. He was nothing If not a devout
and his conscience rooted it
in what good Father Berct had
aught him.
Father Beret was the humble, self
facing. never firing agent of good in
lis community. lie preached In a ten
singsong voice the sweet monot-
MES of his creed and the sublime
of Christ's code. He was in
eed the spiritual father of his people.
10 wonder Rcne's scowling expression
hanged TO one of abject self concern
Then the priests name was suddenly
onneeted Wa his mood. The confess
ional doomed up before the eyes of his
onscience and his knees smote togeth-
r. spiritually If not physically.
Now" said Alice brusquely, but with
weet and gentle firmness, "go to your
go to pretty and good Adrienne,
nd ask her to be your partenaire.
your conscience with a noble
of duty and make that dear
tile girl overflow with joy. Go, Rene
e Ronville."
Rene felt his soul covering. even
but he fairly maintained q