The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-09-26

den Strengthening of his body, as
though in surprise, although the
distance gave me no clear vision
of his face.
AS our canoe came into the
shallow, he sprang down the bank
to greet us, hat in hand, his eyes
on me. My own glance fell before
the eagerness in his face, and l
turned away.
"Ah. Monsieur Cassion," he ex-
claimed, "you have guests on the
journey; tits unexpected.
And what is that to you, may
l s>sk, Sieur de Artigny?" Cassion
said, ,coldly contemptuous. You
are but our guide, and it is no
concern or yours who may COM
pose the company. Go now, and
see that the men have breakfast
served"
There was a moment of silence,
and | did not even venture to
glance up to perceive what occur
red, although | felt that De Ar
tigny's eyes shifted their inquiry
from Cassion's face to mine. How
relieved | felt, as his voice made
final answer
Pardon. Monsieur Commits
saire," he said. at is true for
got my place in this moment oil
surprise. | obey your orders
l looked up as he turned away
and disappeared. Cassion stared
after him, smothering an oath. He
grasped my arm, turning me about
until | faced him, his eyes glaring
into mine.
He said threateningly:
"Be careful. l am your husband,
and in authority here. Keep away
from De Artigny unless you seek
trouble. Hugo Cheyet, come
here"
My uncle climed the bank, his
rifle in hand.
"You will go with Chevet," Cas-
sion said. pointing to the fire
among the trees, until l can talk
to you alone"
We left him, and did not even
glance back.
What meaneth all this chat.
teri" Chevet asked gruffly. Must
you two quarrel SO soon?"
"Why not?" | retorted. "The
man bears me no love; tits but
gold he thinks about"
"Gold!" he stopped and
slapped his thighs. "'Tis precious
little of that he will ever see
then"
And why not? Was not my
father a land owner?"
"Ay! till the King took it."
'Then even you do not know
the truth. am glad to learn
that, for | have dreamed that you
sold me to this coxcomb for q
share in the spoils."
And l told him of the CONVEX.
sation | had overheard.
"Ah! and so that was what
hurried the wedding" my uncle
exclaimed furiously, they would
bury me in the woods-sacre-'
Hush now-Cassion comes
Let us seem to suspect nothing
This was the first meal o
many eaten together along thu
river bank in the course of oul
long journey.
Our progress was slow agains
the swift current of the st. Law
renee, and we kept close to thu
overhanging bank, following thu
guidance of the leading canoe.
We were the second in line, an,
no longer over-crowded, SO that
had ample room to rest at cas-
upon a pile of blankets and gaz,
about me with interest on tn,
changing scene.
The first pight while camp wa
being made l found a chance t.
warn De Artigny not to seek m,
out If he would serve me. l hat
only time for a word before Cas-
sion was beside me, but / man
aged to promise a full explanation
at the first opportunity, and tn,
ready wits of De Artigny readil.
understood.
1t was many days before I coult
keep ny promise, however. Mean
time Cassion, knowing that m.
uncle had approved the marriage
used him to guard me when h
himself was otherwise employed
SO it was possible for me to tall
over the subjects of my stolen in
heritance with Chevet.
| Chevet was my mothers broth
er. He knew of the confiscatiol
of my fathers estates, but not tn
reason. And after l became con
WINGED that he was innocent O
plotting with Cassion for a shar
of them, confided to him M
plan to win a confession of tn
exact state of affairs from m
husband.
| "You-you will try, as hi
wife, to win confession?" h
asked.
mo; there is a better way. |
| read him Alright, once l yield h
will lose all interest in my pos
session. He is a lady killer; I'll
his boast. The man has neve
been in love with me; Il was nc
love, but a desire to possess m
fortune. which led to his propose
of marriage. Now | shall max
him love me-"
You! Mon Dieu! howl"
"By abusing him, tantalizin
him, arousing a desire which
will not crafty. He will beg, an
threaten me, and I shall mock
To win my favor he will comics