Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-10-03

OnG page 1IOu IL l6Il6E OIL 1nSIruc-
ton. Read it, monsieur; you will rec
ognize the handwriting"
CHAPTER XXI.
Condemned.
He opened the paper gravely, shad-
owing the page with one hand so that
words. He read slowly, frown on
his face.
otis the writing of Governor La
Barre, although unsigned" he said at
last.
Eyes, monsieur"
"How came the page in your pos
session."
81 removed 1t last night from leath-
er bag found beneath the sleeping bunk
n the quarters assigned me-"
"Do you know whose bag It WASP"
Certainly; it was in the canoe with
me all the way from Quebec-M. Cas-
sion's."
"Your husband?"
Eyes, monsieur"
De Baugis' eyes seemed to darken
as he gazed at me; then his glance fell
upon CassiOn, who was leaning for
ward, his mouth open. his face ashen
gray. He Strengthened up as he met
De Baugis' eyes. and gave vent to an
irritating laugh.
"Sacre, it's quite melodramatic," be
exclaimed harshly. "But of little value
else. l acknowledge the letter, NJ. de
Baugis, but it bears no relation to this
affair. Perchance it was unhappily
worded, so that this woman, eager to
save her lover from punishment"
De Tonty was on his feet, his sword
half drawn.
"'Tis a foul lie," he Numbered hotly.
"I will not stand silent before such
words"
"Messieurs." and De Baugis struck
the table. "This is a court, not a
messroom. Be seated, NJ. de Tonty;
no one in my presence will be permit
ted to besmirch the honor of Captain
de la Chesnayne's daughter. Yet I
must agree with Major Cassion that
this letter in no way proves that he
resorted to violence, or was even urged
to do so. The governor in all prob
ability suggested other means. l could
not be led to believe he countenanced
the commission of crime, and shall
ask to read the remainder of his letter
before rendering decision. You found
no other documents, madameW
None bearing on this case"
"The papers supposed to be taken
from the dead body of Chevet?"
mo. monsieur"
''Then I cannot see that the status
of the prisoner is changed, or that we
have any reason to charge the crime
to another. You are excused, madame,
while we listen to such other witnesses
as may be called"
Tears misted my eyes, so the faces
about me were blurred. but, before
could find words in which to voice my
Indignation. De Tonty stood beside me-
and grasped my arm.
There is no use madame" he said
coldly enough, although his voice
shook "You only invite insult when
you deal with such ours. They repre-
sent their master, and have made YER
dict already-let US CO."
De Baugis, Cassion, De la Durantaye
were upon their feet. but the dragon
| first found voice.
Were those words addressed to me
NJ. de Tonty?"
"Ay, and why not! You are no more
than La Barre's dog. Listen to me, al
| three of you. Twas Sieur de la Sales
orders that 1 open the gates of this
| fort to your entrance, and that treat
your courteouSly. l have done so, al
though you took my kindness to be
sign of weakness, and have lorded II
nightly since you came. But this is
the end; from now it is war between
US. messieurs, and we will fight In the
open. Convict Rene d'Artigny from
the lies of these hirelings, and you
pay the reckoning at the point of my
sword. I make no threat, but this Is
the pledged word Of Henri de Tonty
Make passage there! Come, madame
No one stopped US; no voice an
swered him. Almost before l realized
the action, we were outside in the sun
light, and he was smiling into 2cy fsce
his dark eyes full of cheer.
ut will make them pause ant
think-what l said" he exclaimed
"yet will not change the result"
They will convict"
Beyond doubt, madame. They are
La Barrels men. and hold commission
only at his pleasure. With NJ. de Ii
Durantaye it is different, for he was
soldier of Frontenac's, yet l have NJ
hope he will dare stand out against the
rest. We must find another way tt
save the lad, but when l leave you a
the door yonder am out of ii"
you. monsieur! What can l hope
TO accomplish without your aid?
Ear more than with it. especially
If I furnish a good substitute. shall
be watched now, every step l take
IT'S like enough De Baugis will sent
me challenge, though the danger tina
Cassion would do so Is slight. 1t Il
the latter who will have me watched
No madame, Boisrondet is the Lac
who must find a way out for the pris
oner. they will never suspect him. ant
the how will enjoy the trick. Tonight