The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1911-07-20

only give me chance to prove that
it is all Il mistake-that r.
Croisset reached out and took his
hand
"M'seur. | would like to help you."
he interrunted II liked you that night
we came in together from the fight on
/ the trail | have liked you since. And
vet. if was il their place. | would
kill you even though like you. 1t is
a great duty to kill you. They did not
do wrong when they tied you in the
coyote They did not do wrong when
they tried to kill you on the trail. But
have taken a solemn oath to tell you
nothing. nothing beyond this-that SO
long as yuu are with me and that
sledge is behind US your life is not in
danger. will tell you nothing more.
Are you hungry. m'seur?'
+ starved" said Rowland.
He stumbled few steps out into the
snow. the numbnesS in his limbs fore
ing him-to catch q iTees and Saplings
to save himself fir - falling. He was
astonished at Cro!SSet'S words and
more confused than ever at the half
breeds assurance that his life was no
longer in immediate peril. To him this
meant that Meleese had not only
warned him, but was now playing an
active part in preserving his life. and
this conclusion added to his perplexity.
Who was this girl who a few hours be-
fore had deliberately lured him among
his enemies and who was now fighting
to save him? The question held
deeper significance for him than when
he had asked himself this same thing
at Prince Albert. and when Croisset
called for him to return to the camp
fire and breakfast he touched once
more more the forbidden subject.
"Jean. don't want to hurt your
feelings" he said, seating himself on
the sledge. but I've got to get few
things out of my system. | believe this
Meleese Of yours is bad woman"
Like a fash Croisset struck at the
bait which Rowland threw out to him.
He leaned little forward. q hand
quivering on his knife. his eyes fash
recoiled from that animal-like crouch.
from the black rage which was grow
ing each instant in the half breeds
face Yet Croisset spoke softly and
without excitement. even while his
shoulders and arms were twitching
like forest cat about to spring
"Mseur. no one in the world must
say that about my Mariane and next
to her they must not say il about Me
leese Up there" and he pointed still
farther into the north, 81 know of
hundred men between the Athabasca
and the bay who would kill you for
what you have said And it is not for
Jean Croisset to listen to it here.
will Kill YOU unless YOU take it back"
God" breathed Rowland He look
ed straight into Croissets face I'm
glad it's Jean" he added slowly.
."Don't ven understand man? love
her. didn't mean what said.
would Kill for her. too Jean. I said
that to find out-what you would do"
Slowly Croisset relaxed. faint smile
curling his thin lips
IF il was q joke m'seur. it was
bad one"
III wasn't Joke cried. Rowland
1t was serious effort to make you ten'
me something about Meleese. Listen.
Jean She told me back there that II
was not wrong for me to love her, and
when ! iay bound and. gagged in the
snow she came to me and and kissed
me. | don't understand"
Croisset interrupted him.
Did she do that, m'seurE'
Il swear it."
Then you are Fortunate" smiled
Jean softly. for l will stake my hope
in the blessed hereafter that she has