The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1905-06-08

another, ~ II each we're waiting for
the other 20 speak. until the former.
while he fingered the package he had
taken from the table. said IN a tone
whose gravity held something akin to
tenderness. "Cgttt fAhtte, yon under.
stand, OF course, that I. an officer OF
tho army, cannot oriucise Ia your
presence anything that took place
prior 20 my assuming command here.
But, speaking as a mar, and as one
who has had his own share Of hard
ship and sorrow, l may venture TO ex-
tend to you my regret and sympathy
for the trouble and bereavement that
seem to have been yours
Lantte bent his head silently.
Claiborne, who had been ndgeting
impatiently, now fastened TO say,
"You will do me the Justice. Capt. La
ftte. 10 believe that wished TO ac-
cept your offer, But my personal
views we're overrnled by those upon
whose Judgment | relied; and The ex-
petition to B~arataria vas sent at their
instigation-not mine"
And yet said Latte, with dry
areas that brought a faint smile TO
Jsckson's Arm lips. you are the gov
ernor of Louisiana"
Claiborne WINGED; but before he
could answer the thrust LATTE add
ed, with a shrug Of his shoulders,
But It matters not at whose instiga-
ton the outrage was committed. The
facts are as have stated, and what
is past must stand. Now, Gen. Jack
son, may l ask tina you open that
package, and read the papers II con
tains?T
AS Jackson perused the FIRST pa
per, the impressions he gathered were
plainly observable in his look, and
half-audible comments.
Fine bombast," he growled. before
going very far. Then, q little way on,
"Sophomorical rubbish! Sayors OF
Elton. with some OF George the Thirds
silly maunderings." And so on. until
the end was reached.
Claiborne had seated himself closer
TO Jackson; and presently. the latter,
with an exclamation OF the strongest
disgust, handed him the paper.
Here. Claiborne, you have seen a
copy OF this; but you had better re-
fresh your memory by reading the
original"
The governor took the paper. and
Lad begun to read II. when. CHANGING
to glance at LATTE, he vas puzzled by
the expression OF the latter's face.
He was leaning back in his chair,
his lips half-psrted, and his face soft
ened by a glow seeming to come from
an inward light, as his eyes rested
upon something hanging against the
Ball, back Of the governor.
II was an old engraving Of Napol-
con. one that. as the governor knew
vas brought from Barataria by a sol
der from whom he-an ardent admir-
CT OF the emperor-had rescued il.
The thought OF this made HMM
the new light thrown by Lahtte's ac
cusations with reference to the attack
iron Barataria-feel uncomfortable
for. should Lahtte recognize the pic
ture as his own property, its present
Eossessor would be placed In an uneu'
viable position.
He had forced his eyes back 10 the
paper, whose contents he recalled
quite accurately. But now. with the
impression already made upon him by
Lafttte. and the latter's face-as he
had just c it~-intruding itself be.
tween his eyes and the writing. ne
was forced to acknowledge 70 himself
that, pirate and outlaw as he had been
named. the barbarian leader had
shown the greatest generosity and
patriotism, together with a personal
courage which appealed strongly to
his-the Eoycrnor's-sense Of loyalty.
Possessed by this feeling, he glanced
again at the younger man, 20 see him
still looking In the same direction. ap-
~parently oblivious OF all surroundings.
while his rapt expression made the
governor wonder.
Jean Lahtte's heart was In com.
n union with that pictured face. and
with its original. whom he seemed to
be onc more facing upon Elha, look
Ing into the eyes that had rested so
kindly upon him At the last. and hear.
ing the voice utterlng words OF old
time affection.
Ito be continued.)