The state herald., 1916-11-03

water vanished % my lashes fell, and,
before I knew It. I slept soundly. I
awoke with the sun In the western
sky, 20 low down a. to peep at mo
through the upper branches Of trees
lining the bank. Behind us stretched
q space Of straight water, and one
canoe was close. while the second was
barely visible along q curve Of the
shore. Ahead. however. the river ap-
peared vacant, the leading boat hav-
ing vanished around q wooded bend.
Ny eyes met those Of Cassion, and the
sight Of him instantly restored me to
q recollection Of my plan A. nothing
soud BE- gained By open warfare. I
permitted my lips to smile, and noted
instantly he change Of expression in
his face.
u have slept well, monsieur" !
said pleasantly, "for was very tired"
"'Tis the best way ON q boat voy-
age" assuming his old manner. "but
now the day u nearly DONE"
Az We skirted the extremity Of shore
I saw the opening in the woods, and
the gleam Of cheerful nre amid green
grass. The advance canoe swung half
hi66en amid the overhanging roots Of
q huge pine tree. and the men were
busily at work ashore. Al We nosed
into the bank. our sharp bow was
grasped BY waiting Indians and drawn
safely ashore. I reached my feet,
sti6ened. and scarcely able to move
my limbs, but determined to land
without aid Of Casslon, whose passage
forward was blocked BY Chevet's huge
bulk. Al my weight rested on the
edge Of the canoe. D'Artigny swung
down from behind the chief, and ex-
tended his hand.
"A slight spring." he said, "and you
land with dry feet; goodi now let me
lift you-so."
! had but the instant; I knew that.
for ! heard Cassion cry out something
Just behind me. and. surprised a. I
was by the sudden appearance Of
D'Artigny. I yet realized the neces-
sity for swift speech.
Monsieur" whispered. "Do not
talk. but listen. You would serve
mer
AYR
'.rhen ask nothing. and above all
do not quarrel with Cassion. I will
tell you everything the moment can
see you safely alone. Until then do
not seek me. have your wordr
He did not answer, for the commits
saire grasped my arm, and thrust him.
self In between us, his action % 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 was quick
enough TO avert the hot words burning
bis lips.
"A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion." I
cried. laughing merrily. even a. I re-
leased my arm. "why 20 much hastef
I was near falling, and II was but
courtesy which led the sieur d'Arti.
gny to extend me his hand. II does
not please me for you to be ever
seeking q quarrel"
There must have been that In my
faee which cooled him. for his hand
fell. and his thin lips curied into sar-
castle smile.
III I seemed hasty." he exclaimed,
1T was more because I was blocked
By that boor Of . Chevst yonder. and
Il angersd me to have this young
hancock ever at hand to push In.
What think you you wcre employed
foe, fsilow-an esquire Of damesi Was
there mot work enough in The camp
yondsr. that you must b testing your
fancy graces every time boat landsr
There was no mild look IN D'Arti.
sny's eyes % hs frontsd him. yet he
held bis temper. recalling my plea, no
doubt and I hastened 10 step between
and furnish him excuse for silence.
"Surciy you do wyong to blame the
y0ung man. wonG1ouy. a. but for hlG