Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1910-10-21

turning our faces westward, we hur-
ried along It, anxious to put all chance
Of capture far behind.
The night was sweet and clear, and
my heart sang with the very Joy OF
living. / felt strong, vigorous, ready
to face any emergency. My recent en-
counter had left no souvenir more
serious than a tender throat, and as ]
thought Of 1t, ! wondered again at the
resolution which had neryed that soft
and delicate arm to drive the blade
home In the back OF my
She, too. had proved herself able to
meet a crisis bravely, and to rise TO
whatever heroism II demanded.
All. If she only loved mel / might
yet find some way to evade with honor
the unwelcome match my father had
arranged for me. But she did not; so
there was an end OF that. I must go
on to the end, even as l had promised.
But 1t was a bitter thing.
why that profound sigh, M. de Tav-
ernay?" asked my comrade, looking up
at ne with dancing eyes, quite in her
old manner. Surely we are In no
present danger?" .
II was thinking not OF the present
but Of the future, mademoiselle," 1 an
swered.
You think. then. that danger lies be-
fore us?"
Undoubtedly"
But why cross the bridge till we
come to IT."
because" / answered, since the
bridge must be crossed, It is as well to
do 1t now as any time"
but perhaps 1t may be avoided-one
can lever tell"
NO" / said gloomily, at is a destiny
not to be escaped"
you brighten met" she cried, but
when I glanced at her, she looked any
thing but frightened. What Is 1t that
awaits us? Let me know the worst"
1T was OF myself I was speaking" /
explained.
another instance OF your ~selflshness.
Are you going 20 face the enemy and
bid me run away? Depend upon II, /
shall think twice before obeyfng."
This is an enemy which you will
never be called upon to face, mademoi-
selle. l was thinking OF that moment
a moment not far distant-when / have
placed you In the hands OF your friends
and must bid you adieu."
ITO turn your face southwark toward
Poitiers? Inconstant man. I did not
think you so eager"
mo, mademoiselle; l turn back to
DANCE, as you know, on an errand Of
vengeance, and then"
ITO Poitiers On an errand OF love.
TIC the hero his reward"
SAY rather on an errand Of duty"
I corrected.
IT viii become an errand or love
also, once you have seen the lady
what Is her manner"
mo matter" I said shortly. and
STROBE on in silence.
NJ de T~avernay." she said, In a pro-
voking voice, keeping pace with me,
II should like to make you a wager"
What is it?" I asked, zone too
gently.
THAT my prediction win come true"
she answered, laughing. That you
will fall madly in love with this lady
oh, desperately In love with her, and,
nee you have safely married her. will
remember this youthful passion only
with a smile. Come, the stake shall
be anything you like!"
This time, I was thoroughly angry.
Even If she did not love me, she had
no right to wound me, to stab me
deliberately, maliciously, with a smile
on her lips. She had no right to draw
amusement from my sufferings, to tor
ture me me just for the pleasure of
watching my torment. So l quickened
my pace and STROBE on in silence, my
hands clenched, trying TO stiae the
pain at my heart.
Al touch on my arm aroused me.
"Ciel!" gasped a voice, and / turned
to see my companion still at my side,
indeed, u spent n GREATNESS. did
you fancy these shoes Of yours were
seven-league boots?" she questioned,
when she could speak. "Or did you de-
sire 20 abandon me out here In this
wilderness 2"
at would be no more than you de-
serve!" I retorted; then, as / remem-
bered how fast ! had been walking and
pictured her accomplishing struggle to
keep pace with me, l relented. Pardon
me-" said, humbly. II am a brute.
Come; sit here in the shadow OF this
tree and rest. We are beyond danger
OF pursuit-besides. no one can see us
here"
She nermittAd me TO lead her 70 the
| shadow and sat down. I leaned
against the tree and stared moodily
along the road,
What is It, monsieur?' she asked
at last. ''Stil %brooding on the future ?"
mo. mademoiselle," l answered:
since 1t must be endured, I shall
waste no more thought upon It."
That is wise" she commented"
THAT is what | nave advised rom the
first. Besides, you should remember
1t is when rouble are approaching
that they appear most terrible"
"a thousand thanks" I said drily,
you are no doubt right"
hAnd them she added. "One grows
morbid when one thinks too much of
ones self"
sit was not wholly with myself 1 was
occupied this time" l said; "or, at least
with myself only In relation TO you. l
was thinking how unfit I am TO take
care OF you; how little I merit the trust
prhieh NJ lie Connie renosad in me when
he gave YOU into my t:eeping. / per-
nit you to limp along behind me with
bruised and wounded feet until you
sink exhausted: I lead two scoun-
drels. whose pursuit had foreseen.
straight to your hiding place, and
would have persisted but for your
courage and address; I stride along
AT ton speed until you are ready to
ale of fatigue, l show myself q fool,
a boor, and yet expect you to feel some
kindness for me. Mademoiselle, here
| after you win command this expedi-
ton: I am merely your servant. / am
1T your orders
Very we'll" she responded instant
ly. II accept. My first order Is that
| you sit here beside me-" and she patted
the spot with her hand.
"A soldier does not SIT In the pres
ence OF his commander" I protested.
what Rebellion already" she
cried. * fine beginning. truly!"
I sat down. q little giddy at this
| unexpected kindness.
And now" She continued severely,