Middletown transcript., 1916-07-29

Barre, and stood silently awaiting his
orders. The latter remained a mo-
ment motionless, his lips firm set.
where is Father LIE Guard?"
''In the chapel, monsieur; he passed
me a moment ago."
Good; inform the pere that l desire
his presence at once. Wait! know you
the fur trader, Hugo Chevet?'
81 have seen the man, monsieur-a
big fellow, with a shaggy head"
cay, as savage as the Indians he
has lived among. He is to be found
at Eclair's wine shop in the Rue st.
Louis. Have your sentries bring him
here to me. Attend to both these mat
terS."
Eyes, monsieur"
La Barre's eyes turned from the dis
appearing figure of the officer, rested a
moment on my face, and then smiled
grimly as he fronted Cassion. He
seemed we'll pleased with himself, and
to have recovered his good humor.
"A delightful surprise for you, Mon
sieur Cassion," he said genially, "and
let us hope no less a pleasure for the
fair lady. Be seated, mademoiselle.
Your marriage is to take place to-
night"
This affair is no longer one Of af-
fection; it has become the kings busi-
ness, a matter Of state. l decide it is
best for you to leave Quebec; ay! and
New France, mademoiselle. There is
but one choice, Imprisonment here, or
exile into the wilderness" He leaned
forward staring into my face with his
fierce, threatening eyes. 81 feel it bet
ter that you go as Monsieur Cassion's
wife, and under his protection. de-
cree that so you shall 60"
h-with-Monsieur Cas-
sionT'
zone of his party. IT'S my order
also that Hugo Chevet be of the COM
pany. Perchance year in the wilder
ness may be Of benefit to him, and he
might be of value in watching over
young D'Artigny."
Never have l felt more helpless
more utterly alone. l knew all be
meant, but my mind grasped no way
of escape. His face leered at me as
through mist, yet as glanced aside
at Cassion it only brought home to
me a more complete detection. The
man was glad-glad! He had no con
science, no shame. To appeal to him
would be waste Of breath-a deeper
humiliation. Suddenly felt cold, hard
reckless; ay! they had the power to
force me through the unholy ceremony
I was only a helpless girl; but beyond
that l would laugh at them; and Cas-
sion-if he dared
The door opened. and lean priest
in long black robe entered noiselessly
bending his shaven bead to La Barre
as his crafty eyes swiftly swept oul
faces.
Monsieur desired my presence"
'fYes, Pere le Guard, a mission Of
happiness. There are two here to bt
Joined in matrimony by bonds of Holy
church. We but wait the coming Ot
lAC idOJ Suhluldh.
The pere must have interpreted the
expression of my face.
"'Tis regular, monseur?" he asked
'By order of the king" returned LS
Barre sternly. Beyond that it is no
necessary that you inquire. All! Mon
sieur Chevet; they found you then?
have a pleasant surprise for you I'll:
hereby ordered that you accompany
COmmissaire Cassion to the Illinoi!
country as interpreter, to be paid from
my private fund.-"
Chevet stared into the governor!
dark face, scarce able to comprehend
his brain dazed from heavy drinking
1.-The Illinois country! Hugo Che
vet? 'Tis some joke, monsieurY'
None at all, as you will discove
presently, my man. / do not jest OF
the kings service"
But my land. monsieur; my niece?
La Barre permitted himself laugh
Bah! let the land lie fallow; twill
cost little while you draw a wage, ant
as for mademoiselle, it's that you ma!
accompany her make choice. Stan,
back; you have your orders, and nov
III show you good reason" He stoO'
up and placed his hand on Cassion'
arm. Now, my dear Francois, if yol
will join the lady"
CHAPTER vi.