Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-07-07

ADRCo ~ $1,000 $3.50
safely ashore. I reached my feet,
stiffened, and scarcely able to move
my limbs, but determined to land
without aid of Cassion, whose passage
forward was blocked by Chevets huge
bulk. AS my weight rested on the
edge of the canoe, D'Artigny swung
down from behind the chief, and *
tended his hand.
"a slight spring." he said, ''and you
land with dry feet; good! now let me
lift you-so."
l had but the instant; I knew that,
for 1 heard Cassion cry out something
just behind me, and, surprised as l
was by the sudden appearance Of
D'Artigny, I yet realized the neces-
sity for swift speech.
Monsieur" I whispered. do not
talk, but listen. You would serve
me?"
"Ay!'
'Then ask nothing, and above all
do not quarrel with Cassion. l will
tell you everything the moment l can
see you safely alone. Until then do
not seek me. I have your wordT"
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 a step. I saw the
hand of the younger man close on the
knife hilt at his belt, but vas quick
enough to avert the hot words burning
his lips.
"a bit rough, Monsieur Cassion," l
cried, laughing merrily, eve as I re-
leased my arm. why so much haste?
l was near falling, and it was but
courtesy which led the Sieur d'Art-
gny to extend me his hand. 1t does
not please me for you to be ever
seeking a quarrel"
There must have been that in my
face which cooled him, for his hand
fell, and his thin lips curled into sar-
castle smile.
III I seemed hasty," he exclaimed.
ut was more because / was blocked
by that boor of a Chevet yonder, and
1t angered me to have this young
gamecock ever at hand to push In.
What think you you 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 a boat lands?"
There was no mild look In D'Arti-
gny's eyes as he fronted him, yet he
held his temper, recalling my plea, no
doubt, and l fastened to step between
and furnish him excuse for silence.
Surely you do wrong to blame the
young man, monsieur, as but for his
aid 1 would have slipped yonder.
There is no cause for hard words, nor
do l thank you for making me a sub
ject Of quarrel. Is 1t my tent they
erect yonderT'
cay" there was little ~graciousness
to the tone, for the man had the ma
ture Of a bully. "'Twas my thought
that it be brought for your use; and
II Monsieur d'Artigny will consent to
stand aside, 1t will give me pleasure
to escort you thither."
The younger mars eyes glanced
from the others face into mine, as
though seeking reinsurance. His hat
was instantly in his hand, and he
stepped backward, bowling low.
"The wish of the lady is sufficient"
he said quietly, and then stood again
erect, facing Cassion. Yet" he adj
ded slowly, 81 would remind monsieur
that while I serve him as a guide, 1t
is as a volunteer, and I am also an
officer Of France"
"Of France? Pah! Of the renegade
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"
"We will not quarrel over words,
yet not even in Quebec was it claimed
that higher authority than La Barre's
terfered, and it Is De Tonty, and not
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 I beg you curb your
temper"
"You threaten me?"
"No; we who live in the wilderness
do not talk, we act. l obey your or
ders, do your will, on this expedition,
but as a man, not a slave. In all else
we stand equal, and I accept insult
from no living man. IT'S 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 I would an Indian
cur"
Monsieur" I said, drawing his at
tention to my presence. "'Tis Of no
a41-o- -o-- clIl- rral Nth