The state herald., 1916-10-20

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danced with my lady. and have since
found no trace of the maid."
docs not Gallons know?'
"Only that, seeking refreshments, he
left her, and found her gone on his re-
turn. Her wraps are In the dressing
ROOM"
"Then tits not like she has fed the
palace. No doubt she awaits you In
some corner. l will have the servants
look, and meanwhile pay heed to me.
This Is mission Of more import than
love-making with a maid, Monsieur
Cassion, and its success or failure will
determine your future. You have my
letter Of Instruction.
ut has been carefully read"
"And the sealed orders for Chevalier
de Baugis?"
Here. protected in oiled silk"
"See that they reach him, and no
one else; they give him an authority
could not grant before. and should
end La Salle's control Of that country.
You have met this Henri de Tonty7
He was here with his master three
years since and had audience"
"Ay, but that was before my time.
Is he one to resist De Baugis?"
He impressed me as a man who
would obey to the letter, monsieur; a
dark-faced soldier. with an iron Jaw.
he had lost one arm in battle, and
was loyal to his chief"
$50 have heard-a stronger man
than De Baugls?
"A more resolute; all depends on
what orders La Sale left, and the
number of men the two command"
I'm that respect the difference 10
not great. De Baugis had but hand
full Of soldiers to take from Mackinac.
although his voyageurs may be de-
pended upon to obey his will. His In
structions were not to employ force"
"And the garrison Of st. LouisT
"'Tis hard to tell, as there are fur
hunters there Of whom we have no
record. La salle's report would make
his own command 1S, but they are
well chosen, and he hath lieutenants
not % far away as to be forgotten.
La Forest would strike at a word and
De II Durantaye is at the Chicago por-
tage. and no friend Of mine. IT'S of
importance, therefore, that your voy-
age be swiftly completed, and my or
ders placed In De Baugis' hands. Are
all things ready for departureT
"Ay. the boats only await my com.
Ing"
The governor leaned his head on his
hand. crumbling the paper between bis
fingers.
This young fellow-D'Artigny," hs
said thoughtfully. you have some spe-
cial reason for keeping him in your
companyr
Cassion crossed the room, his facs
suddenly darkening.
"Ay. now I have" he explained
shortly. although first engaged his
services merely for what I deemed to
be their value. He spoke me most
fairly"
"But sincef
II have cause to suspect. Chevet
tells me that today he had conference
with mademoiselle at the house Of The
Ursulines."
"Ah. twas for that then you had bis
ticket revoked. I see where the shoe
pinches. Twill be safer with him in
the boats than back hero In Quebec.
Then I give permission. and wash my
hands Of the whole afYair-but beware
Of him. Cassion."
II may be trusted. sir"
"T question that NO longer" He he'd
tated slightly. then added In lower
tone: III accident occur the report
may be briefly made. I think that
will be ALL"
Both men were upon their feet. and
La Barre extended his hand across the
desk. I do not know what movement
may have caused II. but at that mo.
ment q wooden ring holding the cur.
tain fell. and struck the floor at my
feet. Obeying the nrst impulse I
thrust D'Artigny back behind me Into
the shadow. and held aside the drap-
sry. Both men. turning. startled at the
sound, beheld mo clearly. and stared In
Amusement. Cassion took q step for.
ward. an exclamation Of surprise
breaking from his lips.
"Adele! Mademoisellev'
! stepped more fully into the light
permitting the curtain to fall behind
me. and my eyes swept their faces.
"Yes. monsieur-you were seeking
mer
"For an hour past; for what reason
did you leave the ballroomr
With NO purpose In my mind but 10
gain time In which to collect my
thought and protect D'Artigny from
discovery. I made answer. assuming Q
carelsssness Of demeanor whirh I was
far from feeling.
HAS Il been % long. monsieurr'
returned In apparent surprise. "why
I merely sought breath Of fresh air,
and became interested In the scene
without"
La Barre stood motionlsss, Just q