Middletown transcript., 1916-08-05

| Or FranceE ran! OF the reneSade
La Sale"
France has no more loyal servant
Monsieur Cassion, in all this western
land-nor is he renegade, for he holds
the Illinois at the kings command"
Held it-yes; under Frontenac, but
not now"
1--WE will not quarrel over words
yet not even in Quebec was 1t claimed
that higher authority than La Barre's
had led to recall. Louis had never In
terfered, and it is De Tonty. and moi
DE Baugis who Is in command at St
Louis by royal order. My right to
respect of rank is clearer than your
own, monsieur. so beg you curb your
temper"
."You threaten me?"
'NO; we who live in the wilderness
do not talk, we act. obey your OF
ders, do your will, on this expedition,
but as a man. not a slave. In all else
we stand equal, and l accept insult
from no living man. 'Tis well that
you know this, monsieur"
The hat was back upon his head,
and he had turned away before Cas-
sion found answering speech.
Mon Dieu! I'll show the pup who
Is the master" he muttered. "Let
him disObey once. and I'll stretch his
dainty form as l would an Indian
cur"
Monsieur" said. drawing his at
tentlOn to my presence. "''Tis of no
interest to me your silly quarrel with
Sieur d'Artigny. am weary with the
boat journey, and would rest until
food is served"
walked beside him among the
trees. and across the patch of grass
to where the tent stood against a
background of rock. D'Artigny had
disappeared. although l glanced about
in search for him. as CassiOn drew
aside the tent flap. and peered within.
He appeared pleased at the way in
which his orders had been executed.
"'Tis very neat. indeed. monsieur" "
said PLEASANTLY. glancing inside. IL
owe you my thanks.
TWAS brought for my own use, "
he confessed. encouraged by my gra-
ciOusness. 'fOr. as you know, had
no previous varning that you were
to be Of our party. Please step with
in"
did so. yet turned instantly to pre-
vent his following me. Already | had
determined on my course Of action.
and now the time had come for me to
speak him clearly; yet now that | had
definite purpose In view it was no
part of my game to anger the man.
Monsieur" l said soberly 81 must
beg your mercy. am but girl, and
alone. 1t is true l am your wife by
law. but the change has come so sud
denly that | am yet dazed. l appeal
to you as a gentleman"
He stared into my face, scarcely
comprehending all my meaning.
You would bar me without? You
forbid me entrance%
Would you seek to enter against
my wish?"
"But you are my wife; that. you will
not deny! What will be said. thought
if go elsewhere?"
Monsieur, save for Hugo Chevet,
none in this company know the story
of that marriage, or why l am here.
What | ask brings no stain upon you.
'Tis not that l so dislike you. mon
Sieur. but l am the daughter of Pierre
la Chesnayne. and It's not in my blood
to yield to force. 1t will be best to
yield me resi- ct and consideration"
'You are a sly wench." he said,
laughing unpleasantly, "but it may be
hest that give you your own way for
this once. There is time enough in
which to teach you my power. And
so you shut the tent to me, fair lady.
in spite of your pledge to Holy church.
All. web! there are storms plenty be-
tween here and st. Tgnace, and you
will become lonely enough in the will
derness to welcome me. One kiss, and
leave you"
mo, monsieur"
His eyes were ugly.
"YOu refuse that! Mon Dieu! Do
you think play? l will have the
kiss-Or more"