Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1916-09-07
CHAPTER lv.-Continued.

bNs-SoUtiHuSSS
(Adcle, arrived at the ball with Cas-
sion, has just been introduced to Gov
Iernor Ia Barre. She hears him warn
lher escort to beware of D'Artigny.)
"Perchance not, yet the way is long.
land he knows the wilderness. advise
you guard him well. / shall send to
you for council In an hour; there are
papers yet unsigned"
He turned away to greet those who
followed us In line, while we moved
forward into the crowd about the
walls. Cassion whispered in my ear,
telling me bits of gossip about this
land that one who passed us, seeking
Ito exhibit his wit, and impress me
with his wide acquaintance. must
have made fit response, for his voice
never ceased, yet l felt no interest in
ithe stories, and disliked the man more
than ever for his vapid bOastlng. The
truth is my thought was principally
concerned with D'Artigny, and wheth-
Ter he would really gain admission. Still
,of this had small doubt, for his was
ia daring to make light Of guards, or
any threat of enemies. If desire urged
him on. And I had his pledge.
My eyes watched every moving fig
ure. but the man was not present. my
anxiety increasing as l realized his
absence, and specialized as to its cause
Could Casslon have interfered? Could
he have learned Of our interview, and
used his influence secretly to prevent
our meeting again? 1t was not impos-
sible, for the man was seemingly In
close touch with Quebec, and undoubt-
eddy possessed power. My desire to
see D'Artigny was now for his own
sake-to warn him of danger and
treachery. The few words had caught
passing between La Barre and Cas-
sien had to me sinister meaning;
they were a promise Of protection
from the governor to his lieutenant,
and this officer of La Sales should be
warned that he was suspected and
watched. There was more to La
'Barre's words than appeared openly;
It would be later, when they were
alone. that he would give his real
orders to Cassion. Yet I felt small
doubt as to what those orders would
tbe, nor Of the failure of the lieutenant
ito execute them. The wilderness hid
many a secret, and might well conceal
another. In some manner that night
I must find D'Artigny, and whisper my
warning
These were my thoughts, crystalliz-
ing into purpose, yet I managed to
smile cheerily into the face of the COM
lmissaire and make such reply to his
ibadinage as gave him pleasure. /
danced with him twice, pleased to
know had not forgotten the step, and
then, as he felt compelled to show at
'tention to the governors lady, he left
me in charge of tall, thin officer-a
Major Gallons, I think = reluctantly,
and disappeared in the crowd. Never
did I part with one more willingly,
and as the major spoke scarcely
dozen words during our long dance to-
,gether I found opportunity to think,
land decide upon course Of action.
Az the music ceased my only plan
was to avoid Cassion as long as pos
'sible, and. at my suggestion, the silent
major conducted me to a side room,
and then disappeared, seeking refresh
iments. grasped the opportunity to
lsllp through the crowd, and find con-
cealment In n Uuiet corner
leaned forward scanning each pass
ing face, my whole attention concen-
jtrated on the discovery Of D'Artigny.
Where he came from knew not, but
hls voice softly speaking at my very
iear brought me to my feet with a
llittIe cry Of relief. The joy Of finding
him must have found expression In my
eyes, in my eager clasping of his hand,
flor he laughed.
""Tis as though I was truly well
coined. mademoiselle," he said, and
gravely enough. "Could I hope that
you were even seeking me yonderf'
"It would be the truth, IL you did,"
II responded frankly. "and was be-
ginning to doubt your promise"
"Nor was 1t a. easily kept as sup
posed when given" he said under his
breath. "Come with me into this side
room where we can converse more
freely can perceive Monsieur Cas-
sion across the door. 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
At contained only a desk aud some