The state herald., 1916-10-27
"You have courage, at least"
1.-THE inheritance of my race, N

"You have courage, at least"
1.-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. II propose closing
your mouth, mademoiselle and placing
you beyond temptation. Monsieur Cas-
sion. have the lieutenant at the door
enter"
As though in daze I saw Cassion
open the door, speak a sharp word to
one without and return, followed by
a young officer. who glanced curlously
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 GuardY
"In the chapel, monsieur; he passed
me moment ago"
Good; inform the pere that desire
his presence at once. Wait! know you
the fur trader. Hugo Chevet?"
u have seen the man, monsieur
big fellow, with a shaggy head"
"Ay, rs savage as the Indians he
has lived among. He is to be found
at Eclair's wine shop In the Rue St
Louis. Have your sentries bring him
here to me. Attend to both these mat
ters."
eyes. monsIeur."
La Barre's eyes turned from the dis
appearing figure Of the officer, rested q
momest on my face, and then smiled
grlmly as he fronted Cassion. He
seemed well pleased with himself, and
to have recovered his good humor.
"A delightful surprise for you, Mon
sieur Casslon." he said genially. "and
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 nf-
fection: 1t has become the kings busi-
ness. q matter Of state. I decide It 10
best for you to leave Quebec; ayl and
New France. mndemoiselle. There II
but one choice. imprisonment here, or
exile Into the wilderness" He leaned
forward staring into my face with his
fierce. threatening eyes. II feel It bet
ter that you go as Monsieur Cassion's
wife. and under his protection. de-
cree that SO you shall CO."
Observation-Disclosures Cas-
sionf'
"One Of his pnrty. IT'S my order
also that Hugo Chevet be Of the COM
pany. Perchance year in the wilder.
ness may be Of benefit to him, and he
might he Of value In watching over
young D'Artigny."
Never have I felt more helpless.
more utterly alone. knew ali he
meant, but my mind grasped no way
Of escape. His face leered at me as
through a mist, yet ~ I glanced aside
at Casslon It only brought home to
me n more complete detection. The
man was glad-glad! He had no con.
science, no shame. To appeal to him
would be waste Of breath-a deeper
humiliation. Suddenly felt cold. hard,
reckless; ny! they had the power to
force me through the unholy ceremony.
! was only helpless girl; but beyond
that would laugh at them: and Gas.
sion-if he dared
The door opened. and a lean priest
In long black robe entered noiselessIy,
bending his shaven bead to In Barre,
a. bis crafty eyes swiftly swept our
faces.
Monsieur desired my presence?"
Eyes. Pere le Guard. a mission Of
There are two here to be
Joined In mntrimony by bonds Of Holy
church. We but walt the coming Of
the lndy's guardian"
The pere must have interpreted the
expression. OF my face.
"'Tis regular. monsieurf' he nsked.
'By order Of the king" returned Ia
Barre sternly. "Bcyond that II Ia not
necessasy that you inquire. All! Mon.
sIeur Chevet: they found you then3 I
have q pleasant surprise for you. 'Tis
hereby ordered thnt you accompany
Cnssion TO the Illinois
as interpreter. to be paid from
~ private fund"
Chcvet stirred into the governors
dark face. scarce able 10 comprehend.
his brnin dnzcd from heavy drinking.
''The Illinois country! Hugo Che
vet? IT'S some Joke. monsieurf'
"Nonc at all. m You win discover
my man. do not Jest on
the kings service"
"But my land. monsieur; my nicce7"
In Barre permitted himself laugh.
Bah! let tho land lie failow; twill
cost little while you draw wage. and
NJ for mndcmoiscilc. It's that you may
accompany her I make choice. stnnd
back: you have your orders. and now
III show you good reason" Hc stood
up and plnccd his hapd on Cassion's
arm. snow, my dcnr Francois, if you
will Join the Indy"
CHAPTER VI.