Cheyenne record., 1916-11-16
"You have courage, at least"


"Well, we'll test it then, but not in
the form you anticipate" He smiled,
but not pleasantly, and resumed his
seat at the desk. II propose closing
your mouth, mademoiselle and placing
you beyond temptation. Monsieur Cas-
sion, have the lieutenant at the door
enter"
AS though in a daze I saw Cassion
open the door, speak a sharp word to
one without and return, followed by
a young officer, who glanced curiously
aside at me, even as he saluted La
Barre, and stood silently awaiting his
orders. The latter remained a mo.
ment motionless, his lips firm set.
"Where is Father LIE Guard?"
"1n the chapel, monsieur; he passed
me a moment ago."
"Good; inform the pere that I desire
his presence at once. Wait! know you
the fur trader, Hugo Chevet?"
II have seen the man, monsieur-a
big fellow, with a shaggy head"
"Ay, 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 well 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 at
fection: it has become the kings busi-
ness, matter Of state. decide it IL
best for you to leave Quebec; ayl and
New France, mademolselle. There is
but one choice, Imprisonment here, or
exile into the wilderness" He leaned
forward staring into my face with his
fierce, threatening eyes. II feel it bet
ter that you 60 as Monsieur Cassion's
wife, and under his protection. 1 de-
cree that so you shall CO."
"Alone-w -with-Monsieur Cas-
sion?"
zone Of his party. IT'S my order
also that Hugo Chevet be Of the COM
pany. Perchance a year in the wilder
ness may be Of benefit to him, and ne
might be of value in watching over
young D'Artigny."
Never have I felt more helpless,
more utterly alone. I knew all he
meant, but my mind grasped no way
of escape. His face leered at me as
through mist, yet as glanced aside
at Cassion 1t only brought home to
me a more complete detection. The
man was glad-gladl 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 helpless girl; but beyond
that would laugh at them; and Cas-
sion-if he dared
The door opened, and n lean priest
in long black robe entered noiselessJy,
bending his shaven bead to La Barre,
as his crafty eyes swiftly swept our
faces.
Monsieur desired my presence?"
Eyes, Pere lie Guard, mission of
There are two here to be
Joined in matrimony by bonds of Holy
church. We but wait the coming of
the lady's guardian"
The pere must have interpreted the
expression of my face.
"'Tis regular, monsieur?" he asked.
"By order of the king" returned La
Barre sternly. beyond that It is not
necessary that you inquire. All! Mon
sieur Chcvet; they found you then? I
have pleasant surprise for you. IT'S
hereby ordered that you accompany
Commissaire Cassion to the Illinois
country as interpreter, to be paid from
n! private fund"
Chevet stared into the governors
dark face, scarce able to comprehend,
his brain dazed from heavy drinking.
"The Illinois country! Hugo Che
vet7 'Tis some joke, monsieur"
"None at all, as you will discover
presently, my man. I do not jest on
the kings service"
But my land, monsieur; my niece"
La Barre permitted himself a laugh.
Bah! let the land lie fallow; twill
cost little while you draw a wage, and
a. for mademoiselle, tbs that you may
a
back; you have your orders, and now
I'll show you good reason" he stood
up and placed his hapd On Cassion's
arm. ''Now, my dear Francois, II you
viii Join the lady"
CHAPTER VI.