The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-05-20
CHAPTER Xxx.
FROM TIE PATH OF DUTY.

1t was about 10 o'clock when /
reached Dieppe. Soon thereafter 1 was
we'll aboard lie Dauphin. Serigny him
self meeting me at the vessels side.
"Hullo. Placide." he cried. "All goeth
we'll, and the passing night gives
promise to us Of a brighter day"
Later in his own cabin, he told Of a
brief meeting he had with Louis.
Fol the time we are safe. The king
is restless about the safety Of the prov
ince, and he trusts Bienville as a SOL
der. The Spanish intrigue keeps our
enemies so busy they have not time to
disturb us. The king has no MAJ who
can take Bienville's place. Well it's
all happily over, and l am as delighted
as a child to be at sea again. We
would sail at once, now that you are
come, were it not for de la Nora: he,
with his wife and another lady. are to
bear US company. The chevalier Is a
thorough soldier. and 1 welcome him,
but like not the presence of the la
dies. We may have rough Work be-
times"
1 knew my a grew pale, end
thanked the half-light for conceal
ment. or he must have noted. Who
that "other lady" was, possessed for
me no interest, and 1 never asked.
De la Mora This was terrible, and
so unforeseen. Full we'll 1 knew L could
not spend five long weeks in daily
contact with Agnes and give no be-
traying sign. I must needs have time
to think, and that right speedily.
When do they come, sire?"
ANY moment; they left-or should
have done so-the same time as your
self. His orders We're the same.'
Rapidly as a man could think, so
thought I.
: How long will you wait for them?'
Until dawn. no longer. Then we
sail.'
A glimmer of hope-de la Mora
might be delayed. Without any clear
fully gave Serigny every detail of in
formation which could be valuable
touching the expected trouble in the
colonies. OF this my hands should, in
any event, be clean. l even handed
him the kings new commission direct
ed to Bienville, whereof l was so proud
to be the bearer. Whilst Kidding my
mind of these matters. 1 could not
have said what course 1 meditated.
A boat grating against the vessels
side set me all tremhle, but it was only
a letter of instructions. Making some
poor excuses to Serigny for the moment
I entered the yawl as it left the ship
to go ashore. A well-known voice
hailed US ere we made the land.
annoy It1GIe, Tile DOdl, anu LlTOuSQ
the shadows I made out the form of
him 1 dreaded most to see.
"Boatman, can put three of US aboard
| yonder vessel?"
AYE, sir. it is from her I nave just
| come"
rs thy craft a fit one to carry la
desc"
This dashed down the hope he had
left his wife behind.
81. ~ &C. - 80 ,1f l.A --x
a fine ladies' barge. We can &c with
care and run into no danger. The wind
is low"
"'Twill serve"
I jumped ashore and would have
slipped by without speaking had he
not recognized me.
by my soul, de Mouret, it is you;
and we are to be companions on the
voyage Bravo"
He approached me frankly, with out.
stretched hand and hearty greeting. ]
would fain avoided touching his honest
palm, but there was no way out of it
IT see you are surprised. Yes? ]
"a suddenly ordered to sail in lie Dau'
phin, and report to your good Govern.
or, Bienyille. A most sturdy soldier
from all report. Heaven send US 6
sharp campaign, I am weary of these
puny %quarrels. We will have brave
days in the colonies"
The open-hearted way about hin
struck a new terror to my heart;
could face his sword but not his conf
dence. His cheeks glowed with mar
tial enthusiasm and I almost caugh
again the hot lust of battle.
"And Agnes, with her little sister, I
at the Inn. Yes" he continued, noting
me step back a pace in protest, eft is
rude life enough for tender women, bu
they come Of stock that fears no dan
ger, and it's better there than at tn,
court of Louis"
CONTINUED Next Week.