The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-11-07
Copyright 1910, The Bobbs-Merrill Company.


l was a child the smallpox plague
came this way and killed all the
people. Nineteen years ago the red
plague came again, and not one
lived through 1t in this Poste de
Mort Rougle. Since then it has been
left to the weasels and the owls,
1t is shunned by every living soul
between .Athabasca and the bay.
That is why you are safe here"
'Ye gods!" breathed Rowland. 'Is
there anything more, Croisset? Safe
from what, man? Safe from what?"
From those who wish to kill
you, Mseur. You would not go into
the South, so la belle Meleese has
compelled you to go into the North.
Comprenez-vous?"
For moment Rowland sat as IL
stunned.
do you understand, M'seur?"
persisted Croisset, smiling.
'I-I-think l do" replied How
land tensely. "YOu mean-Me-
leese-"
Jean took the words from him.
Il mean that you would have died
last night, M'seur, had 1t not been
for Meleese. You escaped from the
coyote-btu you would not have es-
capped from the other. That is all
l can tell you. But you will be
safe here. Those who seek your
life will soon believe that you are
dead. and then we will let you go
back. Is that not a kind fate for
one who deserves to be cut into bits
and fed to the ravens?"
you will tell me nothing more.
Jean?" the engineer asked.
"Nothing-except that while l
would like to kill you | have SYM
pathy for you. That. perhaps. is
because I once lived in the South.
For six years l was with the COM
pany in Montreal. where went to
school,"
He rose to his feet, tipping the
flap of his caribou skin coat about
his throat. Then he unbolted and
opened the door. Family there
came to them, as il from a great
distance. the wailing grief OF Woon-
ga, the dog" eAN
"You said there was death here"
whispered Rowland, leaning close
to his shoulder.
'There Is one who has lived here
since the last plague" replied
Croisset under his breath. "He lost
his wife and children and It drove
him mad. That is why we came
down so quietly. He lived In lit
tie cabin out there on the edge of
the clearing, and when | went to
It tonight there was sapling over
the house with a flag at the end of
1t. When the plague comes to us
we hang out red flag as a warn
ing to others. That is one OF our
laws. The flag Is blown to tat
tiers by the winds. He Is dead"
Rowland shuddered.
'Of the smallpox"
"Yes."
For a few moments they stood In
silence. Then Croisset added, "You
will remain here. Mseur. until | re-
turn"
He went out, closing and barring
the door from the other side, and
Rowland seated himself again in
the chair beside the table. Fifteen
minutes later the half-breed re-
turned, bearing with him good
sized pack and two-gallon jug.
There Is wood back OF the stove,
M'seur. Here Is food and water for
a week, and furs for your bed. Now
| will cut those thongs about your
wrists"
do you mean to say you're go
ing to leave me here alone--in this
wretched PRISON.. cried Rowland
Mon Dieu, Ia II not better than
a grave, M'seur? l will be back al
the end OF q week"
The door was partly open and
for the last time there came to How
lands ears the mourning howl OF
the old dog on the mountain top
Almost threateningly he grirped
Croisset's arm.
"Jean--if You don't come back
what will happen?"
He heard the half-breed chuck
ling
Ito Be continued.)