Cheyenne record., 1916-11-23
"A Romance Of
Early Days In
the Middle West

"Ay," there was little graciousness
to the tone, for the man had the ma
ture of bully. "'Twas my thought
If Monsieur d'Artigny will consent to
stand aside, it will give me pleasure
to escort you thither."
The younger mans 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 ad-
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
iand-nor is he renegade, for he holds
the Illinois at the kings command"
"Held it-yes; under Frontenac, but
not now" -, i -
eve will not quarrel over words,
yet not even in Quebec was it claimed
that higher authority than La Barre's
had led to recall. Louis had never in
terfered, and it is De Tonty. and not
De Baugis who Is in command at st.
Louis by royal order. My right %
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. 1 obey your cr-
ders, do your will, on this expedition,
but as a man. not a slave. In dll else
we stand equal, and I 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 I would an Indian
cur"
Monsieur" said, drawing his at
tention 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
| background Of rock. D'Artigny had
disappeared, although I 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"
I said pleasantly, glancing inside. II
owe you my thanks"
"'Twas brought for my own use,"
he confessed, encouraged by my gra-
ciousness, "for, as you know, I had
no previous warning that you were
to be of our party. Please step with
in."
did SO, yet turned instantly to pre-
vent his following me. Already 1 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 1t was no
PuIl VI NY SuLut " uuScl luc Llah
Monsieur" said soberly 81 must
beg your mercy. I am but a girl, and
| alone. It is true I am your wife by
law, but the change has come SO sud-
denly that I am yet dazed. I 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 I am mere.
What ask brings no stain upon you.
'Tis not that l so dislike you, mon
sieur, but am the daughter of Pierre
Ia Chesnayne and tits not in my blood
to yield to force. 1t will be best to
yield me respect and consideration"
you are a sly wench." he said,
laughing unpleasantly, "but it may be
best 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, well! there are storms plenty be-
tween here and st. Igr ace, and you
will become lonely enough in the will
derness to welcome me. One kiss, and
I leave you"
mo, monsieur"
His eyes were ugly.
You refuse that! Mon Dieul Do
You think I play? I will have the
kiss-or more.'