Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-08-18

11dudIue, lie eACldlIucu u iooN'
Il care not whether the man be your
husband, but this is a damnable con-
spiracy, Matched months ago in que
bec."
I bowed my head.
Beyond doubt, monsieur"
And you found nothing moreno
documents taken from Hugo Chevetr'
None, monsieur; they were either
destroyed in accordance with La
Barrels instructions, or else M. Cas-
sion has them on his person"
"But I do not understand the reas
son for such foul t%reachery. What oc-
CURED back in New France to cause
the murder of Chevet and this attempt
to convict D'Artigny of the crime?'
"Sit here, monsieur" I said, my
voice trembling, land I will tell you
the whole story. I must tell you, for
there is no one else In Fort St Louis
whom I can trust"
I told the tale simply, conceafng
nothing, not even my growing love for
D'Artigny. The mar listening inspired
my utmost confidence-I sought his re-
spect and faith. AS l came to the end
for a moment he remained motionless
and silent, his eyes grave with thought.
"'Tis a strange, sad case" he said
finally, "and the end Is hard to deter
mine. I believe you, madame, n
honor your choice. The case Is strong
against D'Artigny; wen your testi-
mony is not for his defense. Does M.
Cassion know you saw the young man
that night?"
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 a wit
ness. If I know the nature of Cas-
sion his plan of trial Is a mere form,
although doubtless he will ask the
presence of Captain de Baugis and M.
de la Durantaye. Neither will oppose
him, so long as he furnishes the proof
necessary to convict. He will give his
chance a soldier or two, who will
swear to whatever he wishes. If need
ed, he may bring you In also to
strengthen the case. D'Artigny 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 do?"
"No, madame; not now. l shall not
be consulted. nor asked to be present.
/ am under strict order from La Sale
not TO oppose La Barre's officers, and,
ever If 1 were disposed to disobey my
chief, 1 possess no force with which to
act. l have but ten men on whom l
could rely, while they number over
forty" He leaned closer, whispering,
"Our policy is to wait, and act after
the prisoner has been condemned"
"How? You mean a r%escue?"
GAY, there lies the only hope. There
Is one man here who can turn the
trick. He is D'Artigny's comrade ard
friend. Already he has outlined a plan
to me, but 1 gave no encouragement.
Let, uOW LAdL L hhOn GiC tAoIhJ 4 ohaii
not oppose. Have you courage, ma
dame, to give him your assistance?
IT'S like to be a desperate venture"
I drew a deep breath, but with no
sense of fear.
Eyes, monsieur. Who is the man l
am to trust?"
FRANCOIS de B~oisrondet, the n
who led the rescue party last night"
"a gallant lad"
SAY, 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 l even
realized it was Cassion who stood
there, glazing at US. Behind him two
soldiers waited in the sunshine.
"What is the meaning of this, M.
de Tonty?" he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at friendliness. "a rather early
morning call, regarding which I was
not even consulted. Have husbands
no rights In this wilderness paradise?"
"Such rights as they uphold" re-
turned the Italian. erect and motion
less. 81 am always at your service,