The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-03-21
CHAPTER v.-(Continued.) }

"Pardon him not answering, Madame"
mterposed Vandeloup, 'he has the misfor-
tune to be dumb"
Dumb echoed Madame, with
glance Of commiseratieu, while Archie
hooked startled, and Selma mentally OBJ
served that silence was golden.
Eyes, he has been 50 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,
II you will kindly give me an opportu-
nifty" added he, with winning smile.
you have not many qualifications,
said Madame, shortly, angry with herself
for so taking to this young mans suave
manner.
"Probaly not" retorted Vandeloup,
with a cynical smile. II 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 nor?" retorted the Frenchman,
carelessly. I'VE are strangers in a strange
land, and it is hard to obtain employ
NY COLupdHlOu l. iClIC SdA "OAh III
your mine, and if you will take me on
can keep your books'-with a sudden
glance at file of papers on the table.
Thank you, I keep my own books
replied Madame, shortly. What do you
say to engaging them, Archie?'
1--WE might give them a try" said Nc
Intosh, cautiously. rye do need a iggeI
man, as I told ye, and the other man
can work in the claim"
VERY WE'LL" she said sharply; "you
are engaged, NJ. Vandeloup, 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
6nd everything satisfactory"
II am sure of that, Madame" returned
Vandeloup with a bow.
"And now," said Madame Midas, gra-
cously, relaxing somewhat now that busi
ness was over, lyon had better have some
supper"
Pierres face lighted up when he heard
this invitation, and Vandeloup bowed po-
ltely.
you are very kind" he said, looking
at Mrs. Villiers in friendly manner !;
Supper is rather a novelty to both of us"
Selma meanwhile had gone out, and
turned with some cold beef and pickles,
and a large loaf of bread. These she
placed on the table, and then retired to
her seat again, inwardly reDellious at
having two tramps at the table, but out
wardly calm.
Pierre fell upon the victuals before him
with the voracity of a starving animal,
Nd IN apI Ironh IN
ner that Madame was conscious of kind
Of curious repugnance, and even Archie
was startled out of his Scotch phlegm.
Vandeloup, however, ate very little and
soon finished then filling a glass of water
he held it to his lips and bowed again to
Madame Midas.
ITO your health, Madame" he said,
drinking.
1--WE are not absolute barbarians, NJ.
Vandeloup," said Madame, with smile,
as she arose and held out her hand to
the young man; land now good night, for
I 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
|
sionately, 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 Vandeloup, 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 if I've done right
thing, Selma" she said at length; 'but
a. they were starving l could hardly
turn them away"
Cast your bread on the waters and it
shall come back after many days-but-
tered" said Selma, giving her own version
of the text.