The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1916-10-05
CHAPTER Xxx.
Tho court-Martlal.

inquIringly to mine.
"'Tis In the governors own hand.
How came this in your possessIonr'
II found II In Cassion's private bag
last night. under the berth yonder.
Later he came and carried the bag
away. never suspectlng It had been
opened. His commission was there
also. Read II, monsieur"
He did so slowly. carefully. seeming
to weigh every word. his eyes darken-
ing. and flush creeping into his swar-
thy cheeks.
Madame" he exclaimed at last.
II care not whether the man be your
husband. but this IL a damnable con
splracy. hatched months ago In Que
bee"
bowed my head
"Beyond doubt. monsieur"
"And you found nothing moreno
documents taken from Hugo ChevetT'
"None. monsieur: they were either
destroyed In accordance with La
Barre's instructions. or else NJ. Cas-
sion has them on his person"
"But | do not understand the rea-
son for such foul treachery. What Oc-
Cured back in New France to cause
the murder Of Chevet and this attempt
to convict D'Artlgny OF the crime"
"Slt here, monsieur" said, my
voice trembling, "and will tell you
the whole story. must tell you. for
there Is no one else In Fort St Louis
whom | can trust"
told the tale simply, concealing
nothing. not even my growing love for
| D'Artlgny. The man listening inspired
my utmost confidence sought his re-
spect and faith. As | came to the end
for a moment he remained motlOnless
and silent. his eyes grave with thought.
"'Tis a strange. sad case" he said
finally. "and the end Is hard to deter
mine. believe you. madame. and
honor your choice. The case is strong
against D'Artlgny; even your testl-
mony Is not for his defense. Does VI.
Cassion know you saw the young man
that nlghtT
"He has dropped a remark or two
which show suspicion Possibly some
one OF the men saw me outside the
Mission house and made report"
"Then he will call you as wit
ness. n know the nature OF Cas-
sion his plan Of trial is a mere form,
although doubtless he will ask the
presence OF Captain de Baugls and VI.
de In ,Dur1ntaye. Neither viii oppose
him. so long as he furnishes the proof
necessary to convict lie will give his
evidence. and call the Indian. and per.
chance q soldier or two. who will
swear to whatever he wishes. II need
ed. he may bring you in also to
strengthen the case. D'Artlgny will
make no defense. because he has no
witnesses. and because he has a fool
notion that he might compromise you
by telling the whole truth"
"Then there Is no hope; nothing we
can doT'
mo. madame: not now. shall not
he consulted. nor asked to be present.
| am under strict order from la Sale
not to oppose In Barre's officers, and,
even II were disposed to disobey my
chief. possess no force with which to
act have but ten men on whom
could rely. while they number over
forty" He leaned closer swhlspering,
"Our policy Is to wait and act after
the prisoner has been condemned"
"IIowl You mean rescue?"
"Ay. there lies the only hope. There
IL one man here who can turn the
trick. He is D'Artlgny's comrade and
friend. Already he has outlined n plan
to me. but | gave no encouragement
Yet. now that | know the truth. shall
not oppose Have you courage. ma
dame. to give him your assistance?
'Tls like to be desperate venture"
drew q deep breath, but with no
sense OF fear.
"Yes. monsieur. Who is the man I
am TO trustT
Francois de Bolsrondet. the one
who led the rescue party last night"
"a gallant lad"
"Ay. a gentleman Of France, a dar-
ing heart. Tonight"
The door opened. and the figure Of a
man stood outlined against the bright
er glow without. De Tonty was on his
feet fronting the newcomer. ere even
realized II was Casslon who stood
there. glaring at US. Behind him two
soldiers waited In the sunshine.
what IL the meaning OF this, ~
de Tonty7" he exclaimed, with no pre-
| tense at frlendliness. "A rather early
morning call regarding which | was
not even consulted. Have husbands
no rights in this wilderness paradlseT
"Such rights as they uphold" re-
turned the Italian. erect and motion.
less. II am always at your service.
NJ Cassion Madame and | have con
yersed without permission. II that he
crime. answer for II now, or when
you will"
Il was In Cassion's heart to strike
| read the desire IN his eyes. In the
swift clutch at his sword hllt; but the
sarcastic smile on De Tonty's thin lips
robbed him Of courage.
Ills best you curb your tongue" {"
he snHrIed. ''or | will have you In tho
guardhouse with D'Artigny. COM
! mand now"
$50 hear. Doubtless you could con-
vlct me as easily"
"What do you mcanw
"only that your whole case Is It's
sue OF lies"
"Pah! you have her word for II. no