The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-07-09

Ay
were you at Fort Harmar? What
purpose brought you there?"
Il went there openly, and in no
disguise" she replied, restraining
herself with an effort. II was not a
spy, nor victim of curiosity. told
the truth when l said was seeking
my father"
"Yet you left at once to return
north without finding him?"
Because had learned he was not
there, not in the American forts. I
heard the general tell it to you"
ITO me! the name was not men,
toned. We spoke only of a medicine
man-Wa-pa-tee-tah."
yes, the White Chief. He came
to the Wyandots with the Christ
message. He was there before the
priests. and 1t is through his efforts
there has been peace. Yet why
should l tell you all this7 You have
met him in council, have eaten at his
table, and shared his bed. He alone
has stood, and blocked your plans of
war"
"Mademoiselle," said. '1et us for.
get this controversy. this misunder-
standing, for 1t is that, and be friends
for this night at least. wish to help
you, and not be held as an enemy.
You have been in my mind ever since
we first met; I have not been able
to drive you from memory. l must
bring you evil news, but my heart Is
full Of kindness and sympathy. You
will believe this?"
How white her face was in the
starlight, uplifted to mine. One
hand grasped my sleeve.
News! evil news! of my father ~
"Of Raoel D'Auvray; he was your
father"
Yes! you say was? he is dead ~
I caught the cropping hand in mine.
and held it tightly in the grasp Of
my fingers. She made no movement,
but I could distinguish her quick
breathing, see her dark eyes.
Yes; you must listen quietly while
I tell you all l know. We reached
here at dusk. There was a band Of
Indian raiders camped yonder near
the foot Of the lake, and so we
crossed over to this island to avoid
them. We stumbled upon this hut
while seeking a camping spot. 1t was
dark, and apparently deserted. The
front door was latched, but unlocked,
and we ventured inside, feeling our
way through the gloom, until we came
to door leading into the rear room
VN,, <hn
She did not respond, or remove her
eyes from my face.
when we opened this huge mas.
tiff leaped savagely at us. In the
darkness he fastened his jaws on
Brady's arm-the scout with me-and
had to be killed by a knife thrust.
Then we procured light with which
to search. and found the body Of a
man lying on the floor"
"Dead?"
Murdered; his head crushed in
from behind with an az. He was an
old man, with snow-white beard"
How did you know he was Raoei
D'Auvray?"
by this medal pinned to his
breast" answered, holding 1t forth,
"a French decoration"
She grasped 1t, bending her head
80 as to see better, and, for q moment,
her slender form shook with an emo
ton she could not restrain. 1nvolun-
tarily I rested hand upon her shout
der. but the touch aroused her, and
she stepped back, standing erect.
"The medal was his; he always
wore it. But was that all? Was moth.
ing else found?'
There was a red army jacket fung
across a box: but while we were eat
ing later in the other room, someone
stole In through the back door, and
carried that away"
She raised her hands to her head.
with gesture Of despair.
IL believe part Of what you have
told me-" che confessed. her voice
trembling. TIT is in my heart to
believe all, but-but l cannot. You
are not telling me the truth-not all
the truth. You knew OF this house
you-you came here deliberately, and
and brought your men with you"
Il deny that, mademoiselle. We
stumbled upon the place by accident
"Oh, you drive me crazy with your
denials!" she exclaimed passionately
Il will not listen longer. You are
Joseph HAYWARD; you admit that
yourself. No! do not talk to me, OF
attempt to stop me! am going tc
my-my father"
stood aside and let her pass, vel
followed as she entered the door. The
interior was black, except for a slight
glow as from a dying fire showing
dimly through the inner door. The
dead dog lay in the middle Of the
floor and she stopped, staring at thu
| grim shadow.
Il will bring the light" said gent
ly, III you can permit me to pass"
As the yellow fame illumined thu
small room, her gaze deserted me, t.
rest once more upon the motionles,
figure lying near the wall, which
Brady had mercifully covered with .
| blanket She stood still her handi