Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1904-02-04
CONTINUED

flash in her voice that startled him
with its indignant contempt and resent
ment.
"What are you saying, Miss Roussil-
Ion? don't understand you. When
did ever-when did l jab you with
my sword? / never thought of such a
thing"
"1'his moment, sir, you did, and you
know you did. My arm is bleeding
now"
She spoke rapidly in French, but he
caught her meaning and for the first
became aware of the rapier in his
hand. Even then its point was toward
her and very near her breast. He low
cred it instantly while the truth rushed
into his mind.
"Forgive me-" he murmured. his
words barely audible in the tumult of
wind and rain, but charged with the
1ntensest feeling.
"Forgive me. did not know. 1t was
an accident. could not do such a
thing purposely. Believe me, believe
me, Miss Roussillon. I did not mean
It."
Il should like to believe you," she
presently said, "but cannot. You
English are all, all despicable. mean,
vile!''
"Some time you shall not say that"
Farnsworth responded. II asked you
to stop moment that 1 might beg you
10 believe how wretchedly sorry I am
Tor what am doing. But you cannot
understand me now. Are YOU really
.ynrt, Miss Roussillon? assure you
that it was purely accidental"
"My hurt is nothing" she said.
Il am very glad"
"Well. then, shall we so OIL to the
fort?"
you may 10 where you please, ma
demoiselle."
She turned her back upon him and
without an answering word walked
straight to the lantern that hung by
the gate of the stockade, where senti-
mel tramped to and fro. A few mo-
ments later Captain Farnsworth pre-
sented her to Hamilton, who had been
called from his bed when the news Of
the trouble at ROussillon place reached
the fort.
$50 you've been raising trouble again.
have you, miss?" he growled, with an
ugly frown darkening his face.
II beg your pardon" said Farms
worth, Miss Roussillon was not to
blame for
''In your eyes she'd not be to blame,
sir, if she burned up the fort and all of
US in it, Hamilton grsfly interrupted.
Miss, what have you been doing?
What are you here for? Captain Farms
worth. you will please state the partic-
ulars of the trouble that have just
heard about. And may as we'll notify
you that wish to hear no special low
er's pleading in this girls behalf
Farnsworth's face whitened with an
ger. He bit his lip, and shiver ran
through his frame, but he had to con-
quer the passion. In few words
blunt and direct as musket balls he
told all the circumstances of what had
taken place, making no concealments
to favor Alice. but boldly blaming the
officer Of the patrol. Lieutenant Bar
low, for losing his head and attacking
a young girl in her own home.
Il will hear from Barlow said
Hamilton after listening attentively to
the story. But take this girl and con-
fine her Show her no favors. hold
you responsible for her until tomorrow
morning. You can retire.
There was no room for discussion.
Farnsworth saluted and turned to
Alice
"Come with me,' he gently said.
Hamilton looked after them as they
went out of his room, curious smile
playing around his firmly set lips.
"She's the most beautiful vixen that
I ever saw" he thought. "She doesn't
look to be French girl either; decided
~ English He shrugged his Shout
ders, then laughed dryly. Earns
worth's as crazy as can be, the beggar;
in love with her so deep that he can't
see out. By Jove, she is beauty!
Never saw such eyes. And plucky to
beat the deuce. I'll bet my head Bar
low III be daft about her next"
Still, Notwithstanding the lightness
Of his inward comments, Hamilton re-
garded the incident as rather serious.
he knew that the French inhabitants
were secretly his bitter enemies, yet
probably willing, If he would humor
their peculiar social, domestic and CON-
mercial prejudices, ito refrain from &C.
tive hostilities, and even to aid him in
furnishing his garrison with large
amount of needed supplies. The dan
ger Just now was twofold-his Indian
allies were deserving him, and a f1otilla
loaded with provisions and ammuni.
ton from Detroit had failed to arrive.
He might, II the French rose against
him and were Joined by the Indians,
have great difficulty defending the
fort. 1t was clear that NJ. Roussillon
had more influence with both creoles
and savages than any other person
Gsve Father Beret Urgent policy dc
1nted that these two 0en should some
how be won over. But TO do this It
vouDd be necessary TO treat Alice In
Gueh way that her arrest would aid,
1nstaad Of operating against the de-
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