The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-09-30
uuuuurui,urr
A Novel
A Week
uii:,;i:ins;ni;u


his sword.point dripping blood, the
runner was beyond reach. rpeedins
for the open gate. What followed
know from words OF others. and nc
view had OF II.
DE Artlgny had fallen, huddled "
a heap on the grass. and dragged
myself across 10 him on my knees
heard oathn. ahuffling OF feet,
rush OF bodies, a voice did not rec
ognize shouting some order-then
the sharp crack Of a rifle. and VI
lence. cared not what bad oc
CURED. ! had DE Artigny'H head IN
my arms. and his eyes opened and
smiled up ~ me. full OF courage.
You are badly hurt7"
NO. think not; the thrust was
too high Lft me. and ] breathe
better All. you are here also, De
Tonty."
Yes, lad. there is small use for
mo yonder. You are not seriously
struck"
Il bleed freely. but the thrust was
In tho shoulder. could stand.
think. with your aid"
On his feet he leaned heavily on
us both. yet would not be led away
until La Forest Joined us. He held
In hts hand come papers. yet neither
% MS questioned him.
Monsieur de Tonty." be said. u
would have private word with you
when help DE Artigny 10 his
bed, and have "A look at bis wound
Yet 10 Il not matter OF interest "a
these an wellf"
Il take II so"
Then speak your messago-M
Cassion Is dead7"
The sentry's bullet found his
heart. Monsieur"
4 saw him fall. Those papers
were upon him-are they OF yalueg ~
THAT ! know not; they possess
no meaning TO me. but they were
addressed 10 the man killed at 81.
IgnAce"
Hugo cheyet7" exclaimed
My uncle; may ! not see them,
Monsieur"
DE Tonty placed them in my
hauds--a letter from a lawyer in
Quebec. with a form OF petition TO
the King. and report OF bis
search OF the archives OF New
France. The other document was
the sworn affidavit OF jules Beau
baou. a clerk OF records. that he
had seen and read paper purport
ing 10 be a restoration from the
King 10 the heirs OF Capt. In Ches-
nAyne. IL was signed and sealed.
looked up at the faces surrounding
me. startled and frightened at this
witness from the dead.
They are papers belonging 10
chevei?" asked De Tonty.
Yes. Monsleur-See. He must
have known, suspected the truth
before our departure. yet had nc
though, such viilalny was the
work OF VI. CasSion. He sought evi
dence"
That 10 the whole story. nc
doubt. La Barre learned OF his
search. for he would have spies
in plenty. and wrote his letter oi
warning 10 CaHsion- The latter
fearing the worst. and desperate
did not even hesitate at murder
10 gain possession OF these docu
mcnts wonder only that he did
not long ago destroy the papers
There Ia always some weakness
In crime" commented La Forest
and the man has paid penalty fol
his. IL would be my guess he do
sired to place them in La Barre's
hands in proof OF his loyalty. But
Mesaieurs, DE Artigny needs "a
have his wound dressed. We can
discuss all this later"
IL was two days later. and the
brIgh. sunshine rested on Fort ST
Louis, fleckinr the sides OF the
great rock with gold. and bridging
the broad valley below. De Artig
ny. yet too weak 10 rise unaided,
sat In a chair Barbeau had made
beside the open window. and 70
his call Joined him. my arm on
his shoulder as also gaEed down
upon the scene below.
Down the sharp trail from the
fort line OF Indian packers were
toliing slowly. their backs support.
Ing heavy burdens which they bore
to two canoes resting against the
bank. About these were grouped
a little party Of white men. and
when nj last the supplies we're all
aboard. several took their places
at the paddles. and pushed off into
the stream.
There was waving OF hands. and
shouts. and one among them
even at that distance I could tell
Ia Forest-lcoked up at our win.
dow. and raised his hat in gesture
OF farewell. watched until they
rounded the rock and disappeared
on their long journey TO Quebec,
until the others-exiles of the will.
derness-turned away and began
to climb upward to the fort gates.
DE Artigny's hand closed softly
over mine.
You are sad. sweetheart: you
long. too. for New France?'
mo. Dear One" answered.
and he read the truth in my eyes
Wherever you are Is my home"
THE END