The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-06-17
CHAPTER XIV.
THE CHILDREN oF THE BLACK

According to the governors recollec-
ton, I had been gone only a short space
When q peremptory knock came upon his
door. He opened it. and there stood the
Chevalier de Ia Mora. dishevelled and
With evidences of haste, but courteous as
was his wont.
II desire to speak with Captain de
Mouret. at once. at once"
That you cannot do; he has gone.
heValter I am astonished. Had 1 not q
gentleman's parole that you should re-
main in your house this night?"
You had, sire. but the conditions were
urgent. and see, I have sought Captain
de Mouret without arms, SO no breach
could occur between u.s."
Fortunately, NJ. lie Chevalier de A1ou-
ret has consented to leave this colony to-
night. and before the day lawns he will
doubtless be many miles away,
The chevaller heard like one dumb and
undecided, a great doubt Juggling at his
heart. He departed u%nsteadily in the d.
rection Of the barracks.
Here. my good fellow, hast seen Cap
tain de Mouret?" he inquired of a strag-
gler.
The man saluted.
Yes. sire. he but lately went the path
towards the Bay"
How long since?"
"a bare quarter OF an hour. He was
dressed for the forest and went alone"
During this while I, Placlde de Mouret.
stranger n outcast, sat upon a grassy
hillock awaiting Pachaco with his boat
The echoes of my horn had died away In
the night, and soon after I caught the
sound of running feet, and heard a mans
voice calling my name as he ran. To my
utter establishment it was the cheyalier
breathless from his speed.
rs 1t you-Captain de Mouret?'
1T :s-Cheva!ier." I replied, uncertain
at the first who the man could be.
Seeing him in such a state of mind 7
knew the struggle had come. There be
times in every mans life when he recks
lightly of consequences, and this was not
my night for caring. 1 had, in a measure.
run away thus far from him, and he. not
content with this, had pursued me past
the imit Of forbearance. So anticipating
his own action, l began carefully to take
off my own coat, and remembered with
pleasure that 1t was not a slight rapier
which now hung confidently by my side.
No, captain, not that. 1 nave sought
you this time in peace. See. l have no
weapons"
Suiting the gesture 10 the speech, he
flung wide his arms, and showed himself
unprepared for battle.
Captain, you and l have fought side by
side. You are a man Of courage, and If
you have injured me you will render me
due account upon my demand. 1 do de-
with me to Biloxi at once, upon my as
surance as a soldier that no harm will
there befall you. This. sir. upon a sol
dier's honor."
1t was a most unexpected outcome to
seuch an interview. l hesitated warily at
make matters no worse, inquired:
How long will you require me. and for
hat purpose?"
THE time will be most brief, u moment
should suffice. The purpose l cannot
give. but 1t will bring you into no dan
ger. I repeat. upon the word OF a man
of honor. that you will be permitted tc
return safely as you came, and no one
will follow"
u say. in spite of these protests,
I did not want to go. But he pressed his
wish SO earnestly that 1 followed the
chevalier down the winding path back tc
Biloxi, not without great trepidation, how
ever. He walked rapidly in front. and
not a word was exchanged between us,
We passed the barracks and the COVER.
nor's house, where L thought to stop. but
he led me on. Leaving the thicker por.
tons of the little town, he soon paused
before his own gate and swung it open
The wild thought now entered my brain
that perhaps he had planned some terrible
revenge upon his wife. and desired to
torture me by forcing me to witness it
I hung back at the gate. My own good
sword treasured me, and he mounted the
step to throw open the door.
Come in, captain. l regret that I can,
not give you a more sincere welcome"
Truly, there was nothing in the aspec'
4 of the room to cause alarm. Two ladie.
We're inside, che at either end of a sim
pie working table-Agnes and anothel
lady, about her own figure. whom l die
not know. The elder woman looked
straight In my face with an anxious air.