Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-06-16
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major conducted me to a side room,
and then disappeared, seeking refresh
ments. 1 grasped the opportunity to
slip through the crowd, and find con-
cealment in a quiet corner.
leaned forward scanning each pass
ing face, my whole attention concen-
trated on the discovery of D'Artigny.
Where he came from 1 knew not, but
his voice softly speaking at my very
ear brought me to my feet, with a
little cry of relief. The joy of finding
him must have found expression in my
eyes, In my eager clasping Of his hand,
for he laughed.
"'Tis as though I was truly well
coined, mademoiselle," he said, and
gravely enough. "Could 1 hope that
you were even seeking me yonder"
sit would be the truth, II you did,"
I responded frankly, "and 1 was be-
ginning to doubt your promise"
"Nor was It as easily kept as I sup
posed when given" he said under his
breath. "Come with me into this side
room where we al more
freely--T can perceive Monsieur Cas-
sion across the floor. No doubt he is
seeking you, and my presence here
will give the man no pleasure"
/ glanced In the direction indicated,
and although I saw nothing of the
commissaire, I slipped back willingly
enough through the lifted curtain into
the deserted room behind. 1t was
evidently an Office Of some kind, for
1t contained only a desk and some
chairs, and was unlighted, except for
the CLEAN from between the curtains.
The outer wall was so thick a consid-
cradle space separated the room from
the window, which was screened of by
heavy drapery. D'Artigny appeared
familiar with these details, for, with
scarcely a glance about, he led me
into this recess, where we stood con-
cealed. Lights from below illumined
our faces, and revealed an open win
dow looking down on the court. My
companion glanced out at the scene
beneath, and his eyes and lips smiled
as he turned again and faced me.
"But, monsieur" l questioned puz-
zled, why was it not easy? You met
with trouble?"
Hardly that; a mere annoyance. l
may only suspect the cause, but an
hour after l left you my ticket of in
vitat1on was withdrawn"
withdrawn? by whom?"
"The order Of La Barre, no doubt;
an officer Of his guard called on me
to say he preferred my absence"
"'Twas the work Of Cassion."
$50 I chose to believe, especially as
he sent me word later to remain at
the boats, and have them in readiness
for departure at any minute. Some
linking Of cur meeting must have
reached his ears"
But how zane you here, them"
He laughed in careless good humor.
why, that was no trick! Think you
I am one to disappoint because Of so
small an obstacle? As the door was
refused me 1 sought other entrance,
and found 1t here" He pointed through
the open window. SIT was not a diff
ficult passage, but I had to wait the
withdrawn of the guards below, which
caused my late arrival. Yet this was
compensated for by discovering you so
quickly. My only fear was encounter.
ing someone l knew while seeking
you on the floor"
"You entered through this Window"
"Yes; there Ia a lattice work below"
"And whose Office is that within?"
"My guess is that of Colonel Del
guard, La Barrels chief Of staff, for
there vas a letter for him lying on
the desk. What difference? You are
glad 1 camel"
my own sake as for yours. 1 bring
you warning that you adventure with
those who would do you evil II the
chance arrive"
bah! Monsieur Cassion?"
"'Tis not well for you to despise the
man, for he has power and is a villain
at heart in spite of all his pretty ways.
IT'S said he has the cruelty of a tiger,
and in this case La Barre gives him
full authority"
Hath the governor grudge against
me alsoY'
"Only that you are follower Of La
Sale, and loyal, while he is heart and
hand with the other faction. He child
ed Cassion for accepting you as guide,
and advised close watch lest you show
treachery."
D'Artigny leaned motionless against
the window ledge, and the light
streaming In through the opening of
the draperies revealed the gravity OF
his expression. For the moment he
remained silent, turning the affair over
in his mind.
II thank you, mademoiselle," he said
finally, and touched my hand, "for
your report gives me one more link to
my chain. l have picked up several
In the past few hours, and all seem