Mexico Missouri message., 1916-06-29

"The inheritance of my race, mon
sieur."
"Well, wen test 1t then, but not in
the form you anticipate" He smiled,
but not pleasantly, and resumed his
seat at the desk. 81 propose closing
your mouth, mademolselle and placing
you beyond temptation. Monsieur Cas-
sion, have the lieutenant ut the door
enter"
As though in a daze saw Casslon
open the door, speak a sharp word to
one without and return, followed by
young officer, who glanced curiously
aside at me, even as he saluted La
Barre, and stood silently awaiting his
orders. The latter remained a mo-
ment motionless, his lips firm set.
"Where is Father lie Guard?"
"In the chapel, monsieur; he passed
me a moment ago"
Good; inform the pere that 1 desire
his presence at once. Wait! know you
the fur trader, Hugo Chevet?"
Il have seen the man, monsieur-a
big fellow, with shaggy head"
"Ay, as savage as the Indians he
has lived among. He is to be found
ut Eclair's wine shop in the Rue st.
Louis. Have your sentries bring him
here to me. Attend to both these mat
ters."
yes, monsieur"
La Barre's eyes turned from the dis
appearing figure of the officer, rested a
moment on my face, and then smiled
grimly as he fronted CassiOn. He
seemed well pleased with himself, and
to have recovered his good humor.
"A delightful surprise for you, Mon
sieur Cassion," he said genially, land
let us hope no less pleasure for the
fair lady. Be seated, mademoiselle.
Your marriage is to take place to-
night"
This affair is no longer one of af-
lection; it has become the kings bust
ness, a matter of state. 1 decide 1t is
best for you to leave Quebec; ay! and
New France. mademoiselle. There Is
but one choice, Imprisonment here, or
exile into the wilderness" He leaned
forward staring into my face with his
fierce, threatening eyes. 81 feel it bet
ter that you go as Monsieur Cassion's
wife, and under his protection. l de-
cree that so you shall 60"
-with-Monsieur Cas-
stomp
''One of his party. IT'S my order
also that Hugo Chevet be of the COM
pany. Perchance a year in the wilder
ness may be of benefit to him, and he
might be of value in watching over
young D'Artigny."
Never have felt more helpless,
more utterly alone. I knew all he
meant, but my mind grasped no way
of escape. His face leered at me as
through a mist, yet as l glanced aside
at Cassion 1t only brought home to
me more complete detection. The
man was glad-gladl He had no con-
science no shame. To appeal to him
would be waste of breath-a deeper
humiliation. Suddenly I felt cold, hard,
reckless; .ay! they had the power to
force me through the unholy ceremony.
l was only a helpless girl; but beyond
that l would laugh at them; and Cas-
sion--if he dared
The door opened. and lean priest
in long black robe entered noiselessly,
bending his shaver bead TO La Barre,
as his crafty eyes swiftly swept our
faces.
Monsieur desired my presence?"
eyes, Pere lie Guard, a mission of
happiness. There are two here to be
joined in matrimony by bonds of Holy
church. We but wait the coming of
the lady's guardian"
The pere must have interpreted the
expression of my face.
"'Tls regular, monsieur?" he asked.
by order of the king" returned La
Barre sternly. Beyond that it is not
necessary that you inquire. All! Mon
sleur Chevet; they found you then? l
have pleasant surprise for you. Ills
hereby ordered that you accompany
COmmissaire Cassion to the Illinois
country as interpreter, to be paid from
my private fund"
CheVet stared INTO the governor s
dark face, scarce able to comprehend
his brain dazed from heavy drinking
"The Illinois country! Hugo Che.
vet? 'Tis some joke, monsieur?p
"None at all, as you win discover
presently, my man. do not jest on
the kings service"
"But my land, monsieur; my nieceT
La Barre permitted himself a laugh
''Bahl let the land lie fallow; twill
cost little while you draw a wage, and
as for mademoiselle, tits that you may
accompany her l make choice. STAND
backs you have your orders, and now
I'll show you good reason" He stood
up and placed his hand on Cassionf
arm. "Now, my dear Francois, If yol
will join the lady"