The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1916-12-08

water vanished 40 my lashes fell, and,
before I knew 1t, l slept soundly. l
awoke with the sun in the western
sky. so low down as to peep at me
through tho upper branches OF trees
lining the bank. Behind US stretched
q space Of straight water, and II
canee was close. while the second was
barely visible along a curve Of the
shore. Ahead, however, the river ap-
peared vacant, the leading boat hav-
ing vanished around a wooded bend.
Ny eyes met those Of Cassion. and the
sight Of him instantly restored me to
. recollection Of my plan nothing
,ould be gained by open warfare. 1
permitted my lips to smile, and noted
instantly the change OF expression in
his face.
81 have slept we'll, monsieur" I
said pleasantly. "for I was very tired"
"'Tis the best way on a boat voy-
age." assuming bis old manner, but
now the day 10 nearly DONE"
Az we skirted the extremity Of shore
! saw the opening In the woods, and
the gleam Of q cheerful IRE amid green
grass. The advance canoe swung half
hidden amid the o~verhanging roots Of
Z huge pine tree. and the men were
busily at work ashore. Az We nosed
into the bank, u sharp bow was
grasped by waiting Indians and drawn
safely ashore. l reached my feet,
sti6ened. and scarcely able to move
my limbs. but determined to land
without aid Of Cassion, whose passage
forward was blocked By Chevet's huge
bulk. As my weight rested on the
edge Of the canoe, D'Artigny swung
down from behind the chief, and ex-
tended his hand.
"A slight spring" he said, 'ond you
land with dry feet; good! now let mo
lift you-so."
had but the instant; I knew that,
for I heard Cassion cry out something
Just behind nc, ana, surprised as I
was by the sudden appearance of
D'Artigny, l yet realized the neces-
sity for swift speech.
monsieur" I whispered. do not
talk, but listen. You would serve
met"
Ayr
'-Then ask nothing. and above all
do not quarrel with Cassion. I will
tell you everything the moment I can
see you safely alone. Until then do
not seek me. I have your wordy'
He did not answer, for the commits
saire grasped my ARM. and thrust him.
self In between Us, his action so swift
that the impact Of his body thrust
D'Artigny back = step. / saw the
hand Of the younger man close on the
knife hilt ct his belt, but was quick
enough to avert the hot words burning
his lips.
"a bit rough, Monsieur Cassion," I
cried. laughing merrily, wen as I re-
leased my arm. why 30 much haste?
I was rear falling. and It was but
courtesy which led the Sieur d'Art-
gny to extend mo his hand. II does
not please me for You 70 be ever
seeking . quarrel"
There must have been that In my
face which cooled him, for his hand
fell. ana his thin lips curled into sAE-
castle smile.
III ] seemed hasty," he exclaimed.
1T Wa more because I was blocked
By that boof Of Z Chevet yonder, and
It angered me to have this young
gAmecock y ut hand to push In.
What think you yen were employed
for, fellow-an esquire Of danes? Was
there not work enough in the camp
yonder, that You must be testing your
fancy graces every time q boat lands?"
There was no mild look In D'Arti-
ny's eyes as he frontcd him. yet be
held his temper, recalling my plea. no
doubt, and ] fastened to step between
and furnish him excuse for silence.
"aureN vou do wrong to blame the
vnra~ man nNnNainnr - huf nne ~