Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-01-25

CHAPTER v.-(Continued.)


pardon him not answering, Madame
interposed Vandeloup, "he has the misfor-
tune to be dumb"
"Dumb?' echoed Madame. with q
glance of commiseration. while Archie
looked startled, and Selma mentally OBJ
served that silence was golden.
Eyes, he has been so from his birth
at least, so he gives me to understand
said CASTOR, but it's more likely the re-
suit of an accident, for he can hear
though he cannot speak. However, he is
strong and willing to work and l also,
il you will kindly give me an opportu-
nifty" added he, with a winning smile.
you have not many qualifications
said Madame, shortly, angry with herself
for SO taking to this young mans suave
n
"Probaly not" r~etorted Vandeloup,
with a cynical smile. Il fancy it will
be more a case of charity than anything
else, as we are starving.
Surely not as bad as that?' observed
Mrs. Villiers, in a softer tone.
"Why not?' retorted the Frenchman,
carelessly. I'VE are strangers in a strange
land, and it is hard to obtain employ
ment. My companion Pierre can work in
your mine, and if you will take me on !
can keep your books"-with a sudden
glance at a file of papers on the table.
"Thank % | keep my own books
replied Madame, shortly. what do you
say to engaging them, Archie|'
I'VE might give them a try" said Nc
Intosb, cautiously. Eye do need a figgel
man, as | told We, and the other man
can work in the claim"
VERY WE'LL" she said, sharply you
are engaged, NJ. Yandeloup, as my clerk,
and your companion can work in the
mine. As to wages and all that, we will
settle tomorrow, but think you will
find everything satisfactory"
II am sure of that, MADAME" returned
Vandeloup with a bow.
"And now said Madame Midas, gra-
~ciously, relaxing somewhat now that bust.
ness was over, .'you had better hay. some
supper"
Pierre's face lighted up when he heard
this invitation, and Vandeloup bowed po'
litely.
You are very kind" he said, looking
at Mrs. Villiers in a friendly manner
supper Is rather a novelty to both of u.s.
Selma meanwhile had gone out, ant
turned with some cold beef and pickles
and a large loaf of bread. These she
placed on the table, and then retired &c
her seat again, inwardiy rebellious al
having two tramps at the table, but out
wardly calm.
Pierre fell upon the ~victuals before him
with the voracity of a starving animal
and ate and drank in such a savage man.
ner that Madame was conscious of a kind
Of curious r~epugnance, and even Archie
was startled : 1T of his Scotch phlegm.
Vandeloup, however, ate very little and
soon finished; then filling a glass of water
he heldsit to his lips and bowed again to
Madame Midas.
ITO your health, Madame" he said
drinking.
I'VE are not absolute barbarians, M.
yandeloup," said Madame, with a smile,
as she arose and held out her HAND to
the young man; "and now good night, for
/ am feeling tired and I will see you to-
morrow. Mr.. Mcintosh will show you
where you are to Sleep"
vandeloup took the hand she held out
to him and pressed it to his lips with a
sudden gesture. Madame" he said, pas
si0nately, you are an angel, for to-day
you have saved the lives Of two men,
Madame snatched her hand away
quickly, and a flush Of annoyance spread
over her face as she saw how Selma
and Archie stared. yandeloup. however,
did not wait for her answer. but went
out, followed by Pierre. Archie put on
his hat and walked out otter them, while
Madame Midas stood looking at Selma
with a Thoughtful expression of counte
nance.
II don't know il I've lone a right
thing, Selma" she said at length "bui
as they were starving I could hardly
turn them away"
Cast your bread on the waters and il
shall come back after many days-but'
tered said Selma. giving her own version
of the text.