The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-09-30


He grasped 1t wonderingly.
what is this, madame?"
Zone page from q letter Of in
situation. Read 1t. monsieur; you
VIII recognize the handwriting"
He opened the paper gravely.
"'Tis the writing of Governor
La Barre" although unsigned. he
said.
Eyes, monsieur"
"How came the page in your
possesion?"
II removed II last night from q
leather bag found beneath the
sleeping bunk in the quarters as
signed to me-"
DO you know whose bag II
vast"
"Certainly; 1t was In the canoe
with me all the way from Quebec
m. Cassion's."
your husband?"
Eyes, monsieur"
De Baugis' eyes seemed to dark
en- as he gazed at me; then his
glance fell upon Cassion, who wa.
leaning forward, his mouth open
his face ashen gray. He straight
ened up as he met DE Baugis' eyes
and gave vent to an irritating
laugh.
'Sacre, tbs quite melodrama'
tic," he exclaimed harshly. "Bui
of little value else. l acknowledge
the letter. M. de Baugis, but II
bears no relation to this affair
Perchance II was unhappily word
ed, SO that this woman, eager ia
save her lover from punish
ment-"
De Tonty was on his feet. his
sword half drawn.
IT'S foul lie," he Numbered
holly. II Will not stand silent be-
fore such words"
"Messieurs," and De Baugis
struck the table. This is a court,
not q mess room. No one in my
presence will be permitted to be-
smirch the honor of Captain 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 probability. suggested other
means. | could not be led to be-
lieve he countenanced the commits
sion of crime, and shall ask to
read the remainder of his letter
before rendering decision. You
found no other documents,
madame?"
None bearing on this case"
you are excused. madame?"
you wish me to retire?"
II would prefer you to do So"
rose to my feet, hesitatiHe
and uncertain. 1t was evident
enough that the court intended to
convict the prisoner.
But before l could find words
to voice my indignation, De Tonty
stood beside me, and grasped my
arm.
There is no use, madame" he
said coldly enough. altho his voice
shook. aaYou only invite insult
when you deal with such ours
They represent their master, and
have made their verdict already
let us CO."
De Baugis. Cassion, De la Dur
antaye were upon their feet, bu
the Dragon first found voice.
Were those words addressed
to me. NJ. de Tonty?"
"Ay, and why mott You are NJ
more than La Barre's dog. Lister
to me. all three of you. Twas
Sieur de la Sales orders that
open the gates of this fort to your
entrance. and that treat YOU
counrteously. have done so
altho you took my kindness to BIZ
sign of weakness, and have
lorded II nightly since you came
But this is the end; from now II
Is war between us, messieurs, and
We will fight in the open. Convict
Rene de Artigny from the lies oil
these hirelings, and you pay the
reckoning at the point of my
sword. 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 re.
allied tia action, we were outside
in the sunlight, and he was smil.
ing into my face, his dark eyes
full of cheer.
ut will make them pause and
think-what I said," he ex.
claimed, 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 M. de la Durantaye 1t is diff
ferent. for he was soldier of From
tenac's. yet I have no hope he will
dare stand out against the rest.
We must find another way to save
the lad, but when / leave you at
the door yonder / am out of it,"
you, monsieur! What can
hope to accomplish without your
aid?"
Far more than with It, espe-
cially II l furnish a good substi-
tute. ! shall be watched now,
every step I take. No, madame,
Boisronde Is the lad who must
find way out for the prisoner;
they will never suspicion him,
and the boy will enjoy the trick.
Tonight. when the forest becomes
quiet. he will find way to explain
his plans. Have your room dark,
and the window open"
There is but one, Monsieur,
outward. above the precipice."
THAT viii be his chance; he
can reach you thus unseen. IT'S
quite possible a guard may be
placed at your door"
He left me. and walked straight