Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-07-25

stoIeu' ana the fact is known RI Ia
Barre and to Cassion. 1t is this fact
which has caused all our troubles |
overheard talk last night between the
governor and his aide-de-camp, Colonel
Delguard-you know himY'
Chevet nodded, his interest stirred.
"They thought themselves alone
ana were laughing at the success of
their trick. l was hidden behind the
heavy curtains at the window. and
every word they spoke reached my
ears Then they sent 70; Cassion."
But where is the paper?u
Il did not learn; they Lave It hidden.
no doubt, awaiting the proper time
70 produce it. But there is such
document: La Barre explained that
clearly, and the reason why he wished
Cassion to marry me. They were all
three talking when an accident hap
pened, which led to my discovery"
"Ah! and so that was what hurried
the wedding, and sent me on this wild
wilderness chase. They would bury
me In the woods-sacre!-"
Hush now-Cassion has left the
canoe already, and we can talk of this
later. Let US seem to suspect moth
ing"
This was the first meal of many
eaten together along the river bank
in the course of our long journey, yet
the recollection of that scene rises
before my memory now with peculiar
vividness. Cassion had divided us into
groups, and, from where 1 had found
resting place, with a small fiat rock
for table, was enabled to see the
others scattered to the edge of the
bank, and thus learned for the first
time the character of those with whom
| was destined to companion on the
long journey. There were but four
of US in that first group, which in
cluded Pere Allouez, a silent man.
lingering his cross, and barely touch
ing food. His face under the black
cOwl was drawn, and creased by
strange lines, and his eyes burned
with vagueness. If had ever dreamed
of him as one to whom l might turn
for counsel, the thought instantly van
ished as our glances met.
A soldier and two Indians served
us, while their companions, divided
into two groups, were gathered at the
other extremity of the ridge the sol
diers under discipline of their own
underofficers, and the Indians
watched over by Sieur D'Artigny, who
rested. however, slightly apart, his
gaze on the broad river. Never once
while 1 observed did he turn and
glance my way. 1 counted the men,
as l endeavored to eat, scarcely heed
ing the few words exchanged by those
about me- The Indians numbered ten,
including their chief, whom Cassion
called Altuda. Chevet named them as
Algonquins from the Ottawa, treach-
erous rascals enough, yet with ex-
pert knowledge of watercraft.
Altudah was a tall savage, wrapped
in gaudy blanket, his face rendered
full length of his cheek, yet he spoke
French fairly we'll, and someone said
that he had three times made journey
to Mackinac, and knew the water
ways. There were "a soldiers, includ-
ing a sergeant and corporal, of the
regiment of Picardy; active fellows
enough, and accustomed to the from
tier, although they gave small evil
dence of discipline. and their uniforms
were in shocking condition. The SER
geant was a heavily built, stocky man,
| but the others were rather understood,
and of little spirit. The same thought
| must have been in the minds of 9th
ers, for the expression on Monsieur
| Cassion's face was not pleasant as he
Stared about.
"Chevet," he exclaimed disgustedly,
did ever you see a worse selection for
wilderness travel than La Barre has
given us? Cast your eyes down the
line yonder; by my faith! there is not
a real man among them"
Chevet, who had been growing to
himself, with scarce thought other
than the food before him. lifted his
eyes and looked.
mo worse than all the scum. De
Baugis had no better with him, and La
Sale led a gang of outcasts. With
right leadership you can make them
do mems work IT'S no kid-glove job
you have, Monsieur Cassion."
The insulting Indifference of the old
fur traders tone surprised the COM
missaire. and he exhibited resentment.
"You are overly free with your COM
ments, Hugo Chevet. When l wish
| advice l will ask 1t"
And in the woods do net always