Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-03-14

yet to my mind help can reach Tonette through Us,
while to remain here longer is no less than suicide"
AS you please, Monsieur" | answered Coldly, turn
ing from him and slowly wading ashore with me
It's not matter for argument. I seek Mademoiselle"
| stumbled and partially fell over dead body out
stretched upon the sand.
"a Man, judging from the fringe of his leggings"
| said briefly, from my knees. otis good luck,
though, De Croix for the fellow has retained his rife
Perchance if you be well armed also, it may yield you
fresh courage
"PaybIep It's not courage lack he returned, with
something of his oId-time spirit but hate greatly to
yield up chance for life on mad an Grand More,
Master Wayland, had this trearm been in my hands
when you fouted me in the water yonder, your words
should not have been easily passed over"
Monsieur" | said sternly, laying my hand upon
his shoulder. and compelling him to front me fairly
II for going into danger where I shall require
every resource in order preserve my life and be OF
service to others. | care not whether you accompany
me or no But this l say: We part here or else YOU
Journey with me willingly and with no more yelled
threats side looks of treaChery"
Il meant harm"
"Then act the part of man. Monsieur and cease
your grumbling The very life of Mademoisele may
hang upon venture; and you ever interfere or
obstruct my purpose, will kill you l would dog
You understand that Monsieur de Croix; now will
you go stay?"
81 go with you, of course. Sacye! but have small
choice in the matter; 'twould be certain death other
WISE for know not east from west in this blind waste
of sand.'
l turned abruptly from him, and strobe forward
the sand bridge out into the short prairie grass
beyond, shaping my course westward by the stars
While we were feeling way forward through the
darkness, great burst of flame scared high into the
northern sky, the red light radiating far abroad over
the prairie, until creeping figures cast faint
shadows the level plain.
Saint Guise! They have set fire to the Fortl"
exclaimed De Crox, hating and gazing anxiously
northward
We moved with extreme caution now, for each step
brought in closer proximity to those Infatuated
tribesmen who were holding mad carnival in the midst
of their lodges. We crept like snakes along at the
waters edge, under the shadow of the bank until much
of the wild in the village opposite revealed to
our searching eyes.
1t mad saturnalia, half light half shadow
amid which the fierce figures of the painted warriors
passed and repassed in drunken frenzy, making night
hdeous with savage clamor and frenzied gestcuations
would have crept on farther seeking place for cross
ing unobserved, had not De Crox suddenly grasped
me by the leg. As | turned the play of the flames
from across the water struck upon his white face and
l could read thereon terror that held him motoness
"For Christs sake, let us go!' he urged in an
agonized whisper "See what those demons are about
to do! l fear not battle, Wayand, as you know;
but the scene yonder humans me-"
The entire centre of the great enCampment was
brightly lit by huge blazing fire, around which hun
dreds OF Indians gathered, eaping and shouting
IN their frenzy. What atrocities had been going on |
know not; but as gazed at them in shudder-
ing horror, forth from the entrance of lodge dozen
painted warriors drove white man. stripped to the