The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-05-06

Or would have so appeared had l not
Known that he was already perfectly
acquainted with every mark borne by
our charge. The eyes, half closed In
dreamy contemplation, spoke appar-
emily of a man who has been relieved
of some grave responsibility and en-
joys the relaxation, yet, for all OF that,
he was listening most 1ntently to what
Serigny and l were talking of. Serigny
was now fondling the instruments
which were to be the restoration of his,
own and his brothers influence. His
words were addressed to neither of us
in particular.
Here is the seal of Spain. Celle-
mare again, Egad! They are bold,
or must have great confidence in their
emissaries. Here, too, is Madame. All,
my clever little lady, you nave outdone
even the kings old love for his sons
mother will not save o now. 1
would l knew what was in them"
I'VE can easily see. and close them
snug again." ventured Jerome, but
noting, Serigny's frown. he turned it
off with a laugh, "or so cur friend
Madame would advise"
1T thus became manifest he had not
abandoned his idea OF i~ntercepting
whatever might compromise Madame
de Chartrain.
Serlgny continued: These must ne
placed before the king unopened by
n of us. Yes, its a risk" he caught
Jerome's knotted brow Of indecision,
Il grant you it is a risk, for I Know not
what complications are here contained.
Iwi llmyself seek the king, and with
these am sure to gain his own ear.
jerome all this while uttered no word.
ficking the mud splotches off his boots
and lifting an earnest look now and
anon to ~SergigEy.
My own mind was busy deyising
means to foil any contemplated treach-
cry upon his part, and wondering
wondering it was not my duty to
acquaint Serigny with the whole truth
Of the matter. The test came when I
least expected 1T. When all our adven-
lures had been detailed again and
again, his dozens of incisive ques-
lions answered, u conversation nat
urally drifted toward the future. My
mission in France completed. there was
nothing now but a return to the col
onies. n the uncertainties of a am
paign Which l no longer doubted was
imminent. Somehow the thought of a
great and glorious war did not appeal
to me so forcibly as such a prospect
would hav lone some few weeks
agone.
There was ever a shy little face, a
brave g1rltsh figure which stood reso-
luz dllQ trembling O6IOre me In the
park, that intruded between me and
the barbaric splendor Of our western
wars. Nor did 1 raise a hand to brush
the vision aside. 1t toned down the
innate savagery Of man, softened the
stern, callous impulses Of the soldier.
and all the currents Of my being trick
led through quieter, sweeter channels
Of life and love. Even the shame Of it
made NOT the thought less sweet.
Tharo yyo hit a frJdi,r rorl15 -
spare for such gentler musings, for
Serigny, by a gesture, called attention
to his we'll packed luggage.
See. I am ready. I only waited your
coming and report to put out at once
for lie Dauphin. My people nave al
ready gone forward to arm pro-
vision her for he struggle. We must
be prompt. There is much to lose in a
day. I myself will go or tomorrow
and have all in complete readiness for
h voyage, and. who knows for the
fighting on the other side. Now give
heed Placide-Captain de Mouret," for
he was always particular to distin-
guish the man from the soldier, and in
giving orders to address me by my
proper title. 1.-THE war has been de-
ided upon; you will remain here and
watch deve,opments"-he was pro-
ceeding to acquaint me with what was
expected Of me. / knew not what he
might say. but felt impelled to throw
out silent warning, which even though
he understood 1t not, he was quick
enough to take. He paused and looked
me inquisittvely in the face. I glanced
awkwardly from him to Jerome and
back again.
The thought then dominant was a
growing distrust for Jerome, and the
desire to have u movements secret.
I remembered Bienville's words, I'VE
know not who to trust" and being ig-
norant Of what orders Serigny meant
to give. or how much information they
would convey to Jerome. deemed 1t
best to let all the occurrences Of the
day come out. I could not forget the
lads gallantry, nor must I lose sight
Of the fact hat as affairs now were,
he might very well have gone over to
the other. side for he sake of Madame;
things stranger than that took place
every day. and I had learned to be dis
Greet. He might thus come into valu-
able hints and afterward cast them In
to h scale against Bienville, for ev-
cry means good or bad would be used
by them to save their own influence,
to uplift the Duke Of Maine. If Bien-
Vile were involved in h general ruin,
why. what mattered it to them7
While I remained hesitating for a
word, Jerome's ready wit had already
comprehended my purpose. He took
the words from my lips. His counte-
n first flushed, then became hard
and fixed, compelling me for the time
into silence.
Monsieur de serigny, 1 perhaps can
speak you better our good Captains
mind. He mistrusts me-"
your" burst out serigny greatly
surprised. why you have ever beer
our staunch and loyal friend. What is
this. Captain de Mouret, surely you
are above a young mans ~jealousy3"
Jerome gave me no time to explain.
Softly, softly. sir. The captain has
good couse. Give me heed. my friends.
To you, M. de Serigny, l will say upon
my honor, which until this day was
never stained by thought or deed. 1
will say,-this day I would have be-
trayed you. Nay, do not look SO
panied and u~nbelieving; all men are
but mortal, ard passions stronger even
than duty, stronger than loyalty. yea.
stronger than honor itself, may tyran-
ntze over the best of US. I repeat. this
day would 1 gladly have betrayed you,
betrayed my friends to save-well 1t
boots not whom. but a For
the woman I love may lose her liberty
If not her life when those accursed pa
pers a the hands Of the king. I
was mad, and at this moment doubt
| onH Poor vopca1f r In I>$&a- A.