Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-12-15

l forgot that she. was used to my pres ence and might be disturbed by an i absence no one could explain.
 "The first sailing vessel is in from the straits" said the lieutenant.
 "Yes, saw her come to anchor as [ rode out this morning. "She brought passenger" 1 Anybody of importance ?'
 At first blush, no At second blush, 1 yes"
 l ''Why mo at first blush?'' l "Because he is only priest"
 "Only priest, naughty officer! Are civilians and churchmen dirt under army feet?"
 The lieutenant gPinned.
 When you see a missionary priest landing to confess lotfof Canadians 1 a prelate from Ghent, for instance"
 ''Is this passenger prelate from Ghent?''
 "That is where the second blush comes in. He is."
 ''How do you know2"
 II saw him and talked with him.
 'tWhat is he doing in Green Bay?''
 Hooking at the country. He was inquir1ng for you.
 For mel"
 'Yes.''
 What could prelate from Ghent want with me?''
 Says be wants to make inquiries about the native tribes l "Oh! Did you recommend me as an expert in native tribes?'
 Naturally. But not until he asked me if you were here.'
 'He mentioned my nameY'
 "Yes. He wanted to see you. You'll not have to step out of your way to ! gratify him." I From that infer there is new face at Pierre Grignon's.'' @
 "Your inference is correct The Gri- gnons always lodge the priests, and a great man like this one will be cer- tainly quartered with them.''
 What is he likep
 "A smooth and easy gentleman
 "In a cassockT
 "TelI a poor post lieutenant what cassock is.
 "The long skirted black coat reach ing to the heels.'' "Our missionary priests don't wear. it here. He has the bands and broad bat anfR general appearance of priest, but his coat isn't very long"
 '"Then he has laid aside the cassock while travelling through this country
 The prelate from Ghent. no doubt q common priest, that the lieutenant un. dertook to dignity, slipped directly out of my mind
 Mime. Ursule was waiting for me on the gallery with duted pillars at the front of the house.
 MIST Williams, where is Made Ieine?''
 1 Her anxiety vibrated through the darkness.
 Isn't she here, madame3''
 ''She has not been seen today"
 We stood in silence, then begun to speak together. f But, madame's
 s:M's,r Wil1iamsT- ! 'T went away early
 When I heard from the Pawnees that you had gone of on horseback so early I thought it possible you might have taken her with youn
 Madame, how could do that7'
 "Of course you wouldn't have done that But we can't find her. We've in- l quired all over La Baye. She left the house when no one saw her. She was never out after nightfall before ' l 'But, madame, she must be herey' l "Oh, m's'r, my hope was that you knew where she is--s she has followed you about so! The poor child may be l at the bottom of the riYer!'
 ''she can't be at the bottom of the rivery' I retorted.
 The girls ran-out. They were dressed for a dance and drew gauzy scarfs around their anxious faces. The house had been searched from ground to att d tic more than once. They were sure l she must be hiding from them.
 remembered the figure that ap- | peared to me on the, trail. My heart I stopped. I could not humiliate my cloud mother by placing her before them in the act of tracking me like a dog. I could not tell any one about fl, | but asked for Skenedonk. The Indian had been out on the river in a canoe. He came silently and stood near me. The book was between us. I had 1t in the breast of my coat | and he had it on his conscience.
 Bring out your horse and get me fresh one," said.
 ''Where shall find one?"
 ,,"Pierre will give you one of ours, :" said Mime. Ursule. tBut you must eat"
 q had my supper with the officers of the fort, madame. would have made l a briefer stay if had known what had happened on this side of the river.'
 Fl forgot to tellzyou, M's'r Williams, there is an abbe here from Europe. He asked for you.''
 .'I cannot see him tonight" Skenedonk drew near me to speak, but was impatient of any delay. We went into the house, and Mime. Ursule 1 said she would bring blanket and some food to strap behind my saddle. The girls helped her. There was a hush through the jolly house. The master bustled out of the family room. 1 saw behind him, standing as he had