Macon beacon., 1916-10-13

to lead back to the nanipulationS of
CaSSion. Faith! there is some mystery
here, for surely the man seemed happy
enough when first we met at Chevets
house, and accepted my offer gladly,
Have you any theory as to this change
in his frontT'
felt the blood surge to my cheeks
and my eyes fell before the intensity
of his glance.
III l have, monsieur, tbs no need
that 1t be mentioned
"Your pardon. mademoiselle, but
your words already answer ne-'tis
then that have shown interest in you;
the dog is jealous!''
Monsieur
He laughed. and 1 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 be your
soldier than my own. See how it dove
tails in-I meet you at the convent
and pledge you my aid; some spy
bears word Of our conference to mon
sieur, and an hour later l receive word
that II have more to do with you
die. l smile at the warning and send
back a message Of insult. Then my
invitation to this ball Is withdrawn,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 a joker
Ear from it; the very fact that |
know the men makes 1t matter OF
grave concern. l might, indeed, smile
did 1t concern myself alone, but have
your interests in mind-you have hon
ored me by calling me your only
friend, and now know not where |
may serve you best-ln the wilderness,
or here in Quebec?"
"There can nothing injure me here,
monsieur, not with Cassion travelling
to the Illinois. No doubt he will leave
behind him those who will observe my
moyements-that cannot HARM"
at Is Hugo Chevet, I fear"
"Chevet! my uncle-I do not under
stand"
"No, for he is 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 big
cruel, savage brute, who would sacri
fee even you. II you stood in his way
And now II you fail to marry Cassion
you will 80 stand. He is the one who
will guard you, by choice of the com
missaire, and orders Of La Barre, ant
he will do his part we'll"
'T can remain with the sisters
mot in opposition to the governor
they would never dare antagonize him
tomorrow you will return with Che
vet"
I drew a quick breath, my eyes oil
his face.
How can you know all this, mon
sieur2 Why should my uncle sacrifc
meT
mo matter how l know. Some o
1t has been your own confession
coupled with my knowledge Of tn
man. Three days ago learned Of hi
: debt to Cassion, and that the latte
; had him in his claws, and at his mercy
Today I had evidence OF what tina
debt means"
Today
"Ay! twas from Chevet the threa
came that he would kill me II eve
met with you again"
Icould but stare at him, increduloui
; my fingers unconsciously grasping hi
jacket.
"He said that? Chevet"
cay! Chevet; the message came b
F. mouth Of the halfbreed, his voyageu
and choked out Of him where he ha
l left his master, yet when got ther
/ the man had gone. If we might me'
tonight the matter would be swift
settled"
He gazed out into the darkness, an
I saw his hand close on the hilt Of h
knife. l caught his arm.
"No, no, monsieur; not that. Yo
must not seek quarrel, for l am NJ
afraid-truly I am not; you will II
| ten"
There was a voice speaking In Il
1 office room behind, the closing Of
door, and the scraping Of chair {
someone sat down. Ny words cease
and we stood silent in the shadow, n
grasp still on D'Artgny's arm.
CHAPTER v.