Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1916-12-22
CHAPTER xx-continued.

since Bowa1n got ball in his head.
And no orders to clear the devil
out?"
mo. monsieur-oniy to watch tina
they do not form forsa rush.
The commandant's Office was bull
against the last stockade-a long hui
no more pretentious than the others
A sentry stood at each side of the
closed door, but De Tonty ignored
1t was not large, and was already wei
filled, a table Uttered with papers oc
cupying the central space, De Baugis
and De la Durantaye seated beside it
while numerous other figures were
standing pressed against the walls.
recognized the familiar faces of sew.
eral Of our party, but before I recov-
cred from my first embarrassment De
Baugls arose, and with much polite
ness offered me a chair.
De Tonty remained beside me, his
hand resting on my chair back. as he
coolly surveyed the scene. Cassion
pushed past, and occupied vacant
chair, between the other officers, laying
his sword on the table. My eyes swept
about the circle of faces seeking D'Ar-
tigny, but he was not present. But for
a slight shutting of feet. the silence
was oppressive. Cassion's unpleasant
voice broke the stiffness.
m. de Tonty. there is chair yon-
der reserved for your USE"
II prefer remaining beside Madame
Cassion,v he answered calmly. at
would seem she has few friends In this
company"
"We are all her friends" broke In
De Baugis, his face flushing, 'but we
are here to do justice, and avenge a
foul crime. 'Tis told US that madame
possesses certain knowledge which has
not been revealed. Other witnesses
have testified. and we would now
listen to her word. Sergeant of the
guard, bring in the prisoner"
He entered by way of the rear door,
manacled, and with an armed soldier
on either side. Coatless and barehead-
ed, he stood erect in the place assigned
him, and as his eyes swept the faces,
his stern look changed to a smile as
his glance met mine. My eyes were
still upon him, seeking eagerly for
some message Of guidance, when Cas-
sion spoke.
IN. de Baugis will question the wit
ness"
'"The court will pardon me-" said
D'Artigny. 1.-THE witness to be heard
is madameT"
Certainly; what means your inter-
ruption?'
ITO spare the lady unnecessary en-
barrassment. She is my friend, and.
no doubt, may ind 1t difficult to testify
against me. merely venture to ask
her to give this court the exact truth"
"Your words are impertinent"
"No, NJ. de Baugis," l broke in, I'M
Outstanding all that was meant. "Sieur
d'Artigny has spoken in kindness, and
has my thanks am ready now to
bear witness frankly. What is it you
desire me to tell, monsieur?"
1.-The story of your midnight visit
to the Mission garden at ST. Ignace,
the night Hugo Chevet was killed.
Tell it in your own words, madame"
As I began my voice trembled and
] was obliged to grip the arms of the
chair to keep myself firm. 1 read SYM
pathy In De Baugis' eyes, and adj
dressed him alone. Twice he asked me
questions. in so kindly a manner as to
win instant reply and once he checked
Cassion when he attempted to inter
rupt, his voice stern with authority.
l told the story simply, plainly, with
no attempt at equiyocation, and when
ceased speaking the room was as
silent as a tomb. De Baugis sat mo-
tionless, but Cassion stared at me
across the table, his face dark with
passion.
wait" he cried as though thinking
me about to rise. "There are ques-
tons yet"
Z Monsieur" said De Baugis coldly.
"If there are questions 1t is my place
to ask them
"Ay," angrily beating his hand on
the board, "but it is plain to be seen
the woman has bewitched you. No.
/ will not be denied; / am comman-
dant here, and with force enough be-
hind me to make my will law. Scowl
II you will, but here is La Barre's COM
mission, and l dare you ignore it. So
answer me. madame-you saw D'Ar-
tigny bend over the body Of Chevet-
was your uncle then deadw
II know not, monsieur; but there
was no movement"
"Why did you make no report-was
It to shield D'Artgny?"
hesitated, yet the answer had to
be made.
THE Sieur d'Artigny was my friend,
monsieur. did not believe him guilty,
yet my evidence would have cast sus-
picion upon him. l felt 1t best to re-
main still and walt"
You suspected another?"
A~x& ST.