The state herald., 1916-10-20

II ~ Ac.kNctvRo 4 co
to lead back to the manipulations of
Cassion. Faith! there is some mystery
here, for surely the man seemed happy
enough when first we met at Chevet's
house. and accepted my offer gladly.
Have you any theory as to this change
In his front?"
felt the blood surge to my cheeks,
and my eyes fell before the intensity
Of his glance.
III have, monsieur, It's no need
that It be mentioned"
"Your pardon. mademolselle. but
your words already answer me-'tis
then that have shown interest in you
the dog is jealousr'
Monsieur!
He laughed, and felt the tightening
Of his hand on mine.
Good! and by all the gods. I will
give him fair cause. The thought
pleases me. for rather would I be your
soldier than my own. See how 1t dove
tails ia-I meet you at the convent
and pledge you my aid; some spy
bears word Of ouS conference to mon
sieur, and an hour later receive word
that II have more to do with you
die. I smile at the warning and send
back q message Of insult. Then my
invitation to this ball 10 withdrawn,
and. later still, La Barre even advises
that be assassinated at the least ex-
cuse. Twould seem they deem you
Of importance. mademoiselle."
"You make 1t no more than q Joker
Far from It; the very fact that I
know the men makes It matter Of
grave concern. I might, indeed, smile
did II concern myself alone. but I have
your interests In mind-you have hon.
ored me by calling me your only
friend, and now I know not where I
may serve you best-in the wilderness,
or here In Quebec3'
''There can nothing injuro me here.
monsieur. not with Cassion travelling
to the Illinois. No doubt he will leave
behind him those who will observe my
movements-that cannot HARM"
ut is Hugo Chevet, I fear."
'Cheveti my uncle-I do not under
stand"
"No. for he 10 your uncle. and you
know him only In such relationship.
He may have been to you kind and In
dulgent. do not ask. But to those
who meet him In the world he is a big,
cruel, savage brute, who would mcri-
fice even you, II you stood In his way.
And now II you fail to marry Cassion.
you will 10 stand. He Is the one who
will guard you, BY choice Of the COM
missaire. and orders Of La Barre, and
he will do his part we'll"
II can remain with the sisters"
"Not In opposition to the governor:
they would never dare anta gonize him;
tomorrow you viii return with Che
vet"
I drew . quick breath. my eyes on
his face.
How can you know all this, mon.
sieuri Why should my uncle sacrifice
mer
"No matter how I know. Some Of
It has been your own confession,
coupled with my knowledge Of the
man. Three days ago I learned Of his
debt to Cassion. and that the latter
had him in his claws. and at his mercy.
Today I had evidence Of what that
debt means"
'Todayr'
"Ay! twas from Chevet the threat
came that he would kill me II ever
met with you again"
could but stare ut him, incredulous,
my fingers unconsciously grasping his
Jacket.
He said that1 Chevetf"
"Ay! Chevet: the message came by
mouth Of the halfbrced. his voyngeur,
and choked out Of him where he had
left his master. yet when I got there
the man had gone. II we might meet
tonight tho matter would be swiftly
settled"
He gnxed out into tho darkness. and
I saw his hand close on the hilt Of his
knife. caught his arm.
"No. no. monsieur; not that. You
must not seek . quarrel. for am not
afraid-truly I an not; you will iis-
ten"
There was voice speaking In the
once room behind. the closing Of .
door. and the acraping Of q chair a.
someone sat down. My words ceased.
and We stood silent In the shadow, my
grasp still on D'Artigny's arm.
CHAPTER v.