Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-01-10


occupant OF the upon OF the table,
foot resting the oor the other dangling careessly
Hardly more than year my elder he bore in his face
the indelibe marks of life vastly different His
features Clearcut and undeniably handsome with
curl of good humor his lips and audacious
sparkle within his dark eyes. His hat, cooked and
ornamented in foreign fashion, Law beside him; and
could Ielp noting his long hair carefully powdered
and arranged with nicely almost conspicuous, while
his clothing rich in both texture and Colorng, and
exhibited of vanity in ribbon and ornament
Within his belt fastened by large metal clasp he wore
Pearlhanded pistol with long barrel; and rapier,
with richly ieweled hilt, dangcd at his side. Alto
gether he made fine figure of man, and of sort
[ had never met before.
If he interested me, doubtless I was no less study
to him. could the establishment in his eyes, after
my first entrance change to amusement he gazed.
Then he brought white hand down with a smart slap
upon the board beside him.
By all the saints" he exclaimed, "but believe the
black right IT'S the face Of a gentleman, or I
know naught of the breed, though the attire might
fool the very elect Yet barbeu! memory serves, it's
scarcely worse than what wore in SPAIN
He swung down upon his feet and faced me, extend
ing hand with all cordalty while lips and eyes
smiled pleasantly.
"Monsieur," he said bowling low, and with a grace
Of movement quite to me, II bid you hearty well
to whatsoever of good cheer this desert may have
to Offer and present to you the companonshP OF Vers
de Croix 1t may not seem much yet pledge you that
kings have valued it ere now
:" meet you with much pleasure" [ answered, &C
cepting the proffcred hand. 81 am John Wayland.'
The graceful reckiessness of the fellow so conspCu
in each word and action, strongly attracted me-
''Wayland?" he unused, with shrug, if the sound
of the word was unpleasant. "Wayland?-t It's
harsh name to my ears yet have heard it mentioned
before in England that of great family. You are
English them"
I shook my head emphatically; for the old wounds
of controversy and battle then being opened afresh
the border
81 am of this country" protested with earnestness,
"and we call ourselves Americans
He laughed easily evidently no little amused at my
retor twisting his small mustache through his slender
fingers as he eyed me.
'FAh but that is all to me- it is the blood
and not the name that counts my friend But sit down,
Monsieur. There will be both food and wine served
presently and I would speak with you at ease"
AS he spoke he flung himself upon low settee, care
lessly motioning toward another.
"On my word" he said, cycling closely as [
crossed over to the BENCH ''but you big fellow
for your years, and its strength not abby flesh, or
know not how to judge. You would make fine
figure of soldier, John Wayland. Napoleon perchance
might offer you marshals baton, just to you in
the uniform"
"You are now connected with the French army?"
questioned wondering what could have brought him
to this remote spot.
CAV a Captain of the Guard yet an exile banished
from the court account of sins Sacrel but there
others, Monsieur. have but fault, my friend,
love the ladies over-we sometimes fear; and once
I dared to look too high for favor"
"And have you stopped here long?"
"Here - at Hawkins, mean you2 Ten days, as
live; would you believe I could ever have survived
grievous a siege?' By Saint Louis! but [ shall he
happy enough to face you the board tonight.
Yet surely it is not your purpose to halt here long?
"Only until succeed in joining some party travelling
westward to the Illinois country"
"Nol Is that yOur aim IT'S NV trin also If Fate
be ever kind enough to bring hither guide.
f'You 90 0 explorer" I asked
explore? Faith, no. There but two reasons
to my mind important enough to lure French gentle
into such hole this, and send him wandering
through your backwoods, ) either or love, Mon
seur; and | know of no that calleth me-"
"You seek some lady, then, at Fort Dearborn"
[ asked for his tone seemed to invite the inquiry.
"Ay!" with quickened enthusiasm; "'tis there
Toinette has hidden herself for this year or more
Toinee, on my word as French soldier the airest
maid of Montreal. have just discovered her where
abouts, yet shall win her traverse these trails
again, or | not Viiers de Croix."
~ travel thither to bring back little orphan child
with me- explained simply, in response to his look,
"and will most gladly aid YOU where I can"