Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-07-14
CHAPTER X.
On tho Summit Of tho Bluff.

vi tS
Securely screened from observation
by the low growing bushes clinging
to the edge of the bluff, and yet with
a clear view Of the cleft in the rocks
half way to the river, D'Artigny found
me a seat on a hummock of grass, but
remained standing himself. The sun
was sinking low, warning us that u
time was short, for with the first
coming of twilight l would certainly
be sought, if l failed to return to the
lower camp.
"You would question me, monsieur"
l asked doubtfully. ut was for that
you led me here?"
"Yes," instantly aroused by my
voice. but with eyes still scanning
the trail. "And there is no time to
waste, II 1 am to do my part intelli-
gently. You must return below before
the sun disappears, or Monsieur Cas-
sion might suspect you had lost your
way. You have sought me for assist
ance. counsel perhaps, but this state
of affairs has so taken me by surprise
that l do not think clearly. You have
a plant?
Scarcely that, monsieur. l would
ascertain the truth, and my only
means Of doing so is through a con
fession by Francois Cassion. AFRO
CANT he is, and conceited, deeming
himself admired and envied by all,
especially my sex. He has even dared
boast to me Of his victims. But there
in lies his very weakness; l would
make him love me-"
He turned now, and looked search
ingly into my face, no glimpse of a
smile in the gray eyes.
Pardon; I do not understand" he
said ~gravely. You seek his lover"
/ felt his manner a rebuke, a ques-
tioning of my honesty, and swift in
dignation brought the answering
words to my lips.
"And why not pray! Must I not
defend myself-and what other wea-
pons are at hand? Do l W him kind
ness; or tender consideration? The
nan married me as be would buy a
slave"
you may be justified" he admitted
regretfully. yet how is this to be
done?"
| arose to my feet and stood before
him, my face uplifted, and, with one
hand, thrust aside the shade Of my
hat.
Monsieur, deem you that impossi-
ble?"
His lips parted in a quick smile, re-
vealing the white teeth, and he bowed
low, finging his hat to the ground and
standing bareheadcd.
Mon dieu! mol Monsieur Cassion
is to be congratulated. Yet it was
my thought you said yonder that you
despised the man."
81 do; what reason have I to feel
otherwise? Yet there lies my strength
in this battle. He laughs at women.
plays with them, breaks their hearts.
1t Is his pride and boast, and his sue
cess in the past has ministered to his
self-conceit. He thought me of the
same kind, but has already had his
lesson. Do you not know what that
means to a man like him? More than
ever he will desire my favor. A week
back he cared nothing; 1 vas but a
plaything, awaiting his pleasure; his
wife to be treated as he pleased. He
knows better now, and already his
eyes follow me as though he were
my dog"
"And that then is why you send
for me-that l may play my part in
the gamer
l shrugged my shoulders, yet there
was doubt in my eyes as 1 faced him.
rs there harm in such play, mon
sieur," 1 asked innocently, with SO
important an end in view? TITS not
that l seek amusement, but l must
find out where this kings pardon is
hidden, who concealed it, and obtain
proof of the fraud which compelled
my marriage. My only hope of re-
lease lies in compelling Francois Cas-
sion to confess all he knows of this
foul conspiracy. I must possess the
facts before we return to Quebec"
"But of what user" he insisted.
"You will still remain his wife, and
your property will be in his control.
The church will hold you to the mar
rage contract"
"Not if I can establish the truth
that I was deceived, defrauded and
married by force. Once l have the
proofs in my hands I will appeal to
Louis-to the pope for relief. These
men thought me a helpless girl, friend
less and alone, ignorant Of law, a mere
waif of the frontier. Perhaps l was,
but this experience has made of me
a woman. In Montreal / talked with
the mother superior and she told me
of a marriage in France where the
pere oficiated under threat, and the
pope dissolved the ties. If 1t can be
done for others it shall be done for
me. I will not remain the wife Of
Francois Cassion."
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