Middletown transcript., 1916-10-07
CHAPTER Xxx.
The court-MartIaI.

hand, glanced at 1t, then lifted his eyes
inquiringly to mine.
"'Tis in the governors own hand.
HoH came this in your nossessionY"
81 found it in Cassion's private bag
last night, under the berth yonder
Later he came and carried the bag
away, never suspecting it had been
opened. His commission was there
also. Read it, monsieur"
He did SO slowly. carefully, seeming
to weigh every word. bis eyes darken-
ing. and a flush creeping into his swar-
thy cheeks.
Madame" he exclaimed at last,
"I care not whether the man be your
husband, but this is a damnable con
spiracy. hatched months ago in Que
bec."
l bowed my head.
Beyond doubt. monsieur"
"And you found nothing moreno
documents taken from Hugo Chevet?'
"NOne, monsieur; they were either
destroyed in accordance with La
Barre's Instructions. or else NJ. Cas-
sion has them on his person"
"But do not understand the rea-
son for such foul treachery. What oc-
Cured back In New France to cause
the murder Of Chevet and this attempt
to convict D'Artigny Of the crimeT'
""Sit here, monsieur" said, my
voice trembling, "and | will tell you
the whole story. must tell you. for
there is no one else in Fort St Louis
whom / can trust"
told the tale simply, cOnceal1ng
nothing, not even my growing love for
D'Arttgny. The man listening inspired
my utmost confidence sought his re-
spect and faith. AS I came to the end
for q moment he remained mOtiOnlPss
and silent. his eyes grave with thought
"'Tis a strange. sad case" he said
finally. "and the end is hard to deter
mine. l believe you. madame. and
honor your choice. The case is strong
against D'Artigny: even your testi-
mony is not for his defense. Does NJ
Cassion know you saw the young man
that night?'
HE has dropped a remark or two
which show suspicion. Possibly some
one of the men saw me outside the
Mission house. and made report"
''Then he will call you as wit
ness. If know the nature Of Cas-
sion bis plan of trial is mere form.
although doubtless he will ask the
presence Of Captain de Raugis and VI.
de la Durqntaye Neither will oppose
him. 80 long as he furnishes the proof
necessary to convict. He will give his
evidence, and call the Indian, and per
chance a soldier or two. who will
swear to whatever he wishes. II need
ed he may bring you in also to
strengthen the case. D'Artigny will
make no defense. because he has no
witnesses, and because he has a fool
notion that he might compromise you
by telling the whole truth"
"Then there Is no hope; nothing we
can dor
mo, madame; not now. shall not
be consulted. nor asked to be present.
] am under strict order from La Sale
not to oppose La Barre's officers, and,
even II I were disposed to disObey my
chief, l possess no force with which to
act. have but ten men on whom
could rely. while they number over
forty" He leaned closer. whispering.
'Our policy is to wait, and act after
the prisoner has been condemned"
"How? You mean a rescueT
cay, there lies the only hope. There
is one man here who can turn the
trick. He is D'Artigny's cOmrade and
friend. Already he has outlined plan
to me. but I gave no encouragement.
Yet, now that know the truth. shall
not oppose. Have you courage. ma
dame, to give him your assistance?
IT'S like to be a desperate venture"
drew a deep breath. but with no
sense Of fear.
eyes. monsieur. Who is the man
am to trustH"
Francois de BoisrOndet, the one
who led the rescue party last night"
"a gallant lad"
"Ay. a gentleman Of France. a dar-
ing heart. Tonight"
The door opened. and the figure Of a
man stood outlined against the bright
er glow without ne TOnty was on his
feet fronting the newcomer, ere even
realized It was CasGion who stood
there. glaring at US. Behind him two
soldiers waited in the sunshine.
"What is the meaning of this. NJ.
de TOnty?" he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at friendliness. "A rather early
morning call, regarding which was
not even consulted. Have husbands
no rights in this wilderness paradise?"
'Such rights as they uphold" re-
turned the italian. erect and motion
less. 81 am always at your service.
NJ: Cassion. Madame and have con-
versed without permission. If that be
crime, answer for 1t now. or when
you will"
It was in CassiOn's heart to strike.
I read the desire In his eyes. In the
swift clutch at his sword hilt: but the
sarcastic smile on De TOnty'S thin lips
robbed him Of courage.
'''Tis best you curb your tongue"
he snarled. ''Or will have you In the
guardhouse with D'Artigny. COM
mand now"
$50 hear. Doubtless you could con-
vIct me as easily"
"W'hat do you meanT'
''Only that your whole case is a tis-
sue Of lies"
"Pah! you have her word for it. no
doubt. But you will sing q different
song presently. Az. and It will he her
testimony which will hang the villain"