Mexico Missouri message., 1916-10-12
CHAPTER xx-contlnued.

since Bowain got ball In his head"
"And no orders to clear the devils
outY"
"No monsieur-only to watch that
hhey do not form for rush"
The commandments Office was built
against the last stockade-a long hut
no more pretentlous than the others.
"A sentry stood at each side of the
closed door, but De Tonty ignored
Them and ushered me into the ROOM
BIT was not large, and was already well
lalled, q table Uttered with papers oc-
icupying the central space, De Baugis
hnd De Ia Durantaye seated beside It,
while numerous other figures were
standing pressed against the walls.
recognized the familiar faces of sew
.ersl of our party, but before recov-
lered from my first embarrassment De
lBaugis arose, and with much polite
mess 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 a vacant
chair, between the other officers, laying
his sword on the table. Ny eyes swept
about the circle Of faces seeking DAT
tigny, but he was not present. But for
slight ,shufilng Of feet, the silence
was expressive. Casslons unpleasant
iVoice' broke the stiffness.
M. de Tonty, there is a chair yon-
= der reserved for your use"
81 prefer remaining beside Madame
Eassion," he answered calmly. at
would seem she has few friends in this
company"
1--WE are all her friends" broke in
Be- Baugis, his face flushing, "but we
ore here to do justice, and avenge a
End crime. IT'S told us that madame
possesses certain knowledge which has
pit been revealed. Other witnesses
Hlave testified, and we would now
aisten to her word. Sergeant of the
kuard, bring in the prisoner"
He entered by way of the rear door,
manacled, and with an armed soldier
lon either side. Coatless and barehead-
ed, he stood erect in the place assigned
him, and as his eyes swept the faces,
hls 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.
an. de Baugis will question the wit
mess"
1.-THE court will pardon me-" said
p'Artigny. "The witness to be heard
as madame"
Certainly; what means your inter
Fuption?"
/ ITO spare the lady unnecessary en-
barrassment. she is my friend, and,
mo doubt, may find 1t difficult to testify
against me. / merely venture to ask
her TO give this court the exact truth"
"YOur words are impertlnent."
"No, NJ. de Baugis," broke in, I'M
derstanding all that was meant. "Sieur
d'Artlgny has spoken in kindness, and
has my thanks. l am ready now to
bear witness frankly. What is it you
nesire me to tell, monsieur"
"The story of your midnight visit
20 the Mission garden at st. Ignace,
the night Hugo Chevet was killed.
Hell it in your own words, madame"
AS began my voice trembled, and
was obliged to grip the arms of the
chair to keep myself firm. l read sym
patty in De Baugis' eyes, and ad-
dressed him alone. Twice he asked me
questions, in so kindly manner as to
win instant reply, and once he checked
Cassion when he attempted to inter-
rupt his voice stern with authority.
d told the story simply, plainly, with
no attempt at equivocation, and when
CEASED speaking the room was as
b1lent as a tomb. De Baugis sat mo-
kionless, 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-
lions yet"
"Monsieur," said De Baugis coldly.
r'If there are questions it is my place
TO ask them"
SAY" angrily beating his hand on
khe board, "but it is plain to be seen
the woman has bewitched you. No.
will not be denied l am comman-
dant here, and with force enough be-
hind me to make my will law. Scowl
a. you will, but here is La Barre's COM
mission, and dare you ignore 1t. So
answer me, madame-you saw D'Ar-
kigny bend over the body of Chevet-
was your uncle then deadp
81 know not, monsieur; but there
pRas no movement"
"Why did you make no report-was
II TO shield D'Arhgny?"
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-
kpicien upon him. felt it best to re-
main still and wait"
you suspected another?~
N.Not then, monsieur, but since"
Cassion sat silent, not overly pleased
with my reply, but De Baugis smiled
grimly.
af4v INV faith0 he said '1the tale