Macon beacon., 1916-10-13

"Perchance not, yet the way Is long,
and he knows the wilderness. l advise
you guard him well. l 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
and that one who passed US, seeking
ko exhibit his wit, and impress me
with his wide acquaintance. l must
have made fit response, for his voice
never ceased, yet felt no interest IN
khe stories, and disliked the man moro
than ever for his vapid boasting. The
truth is my thought was principally
concerned with D'Artgny, and wheth-
er he would really gain admission. Still
of this had small doubt, for his was
a 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
nre, but the man was not present, my
anxiety increasing as I realized his
absence, and speculated as to It's cause
Could Cassion 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'
edly possessed power. My desire to
see D'Artigny was now for his OWL
sake-to warn him Of danger ano
treachery. The few words I had caught
passing between La Barre and Cas-
sion had to me q sinister meaning
they were a promise Of protection
from the governor to his lieutenant
and this officer of La Sales should b'
warned that he was suspected ant
watched. There was more to LII
Barre's words than appeared openly
1t would be later, when they wer'
alone, that he would give his rea
orders to Cassion. Yet l felt smal
doubt as to what those orders woult
he. nor of the failure of the lieutenan
TO execute them. The wilderness hit
many a secret. and might well concea
another. In some manner that nlgh
must find D'Artigny, and whisper m.
warning.
These were my thoughts, crystalllz
ing into purpose, yet l managed I
smile cheerily into the face Of the CON
missaire and make such reply to hi
badinage as gave him pleasure.
danced with him twice, pleased I
know had not forgotten the step, an
then, as he felt compelled to show a
tention to the governors lady, he lei
me in charge of tall, thin officer
Major Gallons, l think - reluctantl.
and disappeared in the crowd. Neve
did l part with one more willingl.
and as the major spoke scarcely
dozen words during our long dance t.
Rether l found opportunity to thin
ana ueClue upOu SouhoO VA oNS'
As the music ceased my only pla
was to avoid Cassion as long as po
sible, and, at my suggestion, the silel
major conducted me to a side roof
and then disappeared, seeking refres
ments. l grasped the opportunity
slip through the crowd, and find co
cealment in a quiet corner.
leaned forward scanning each pas
ing face, my whole attention conce
trated on the discovery Of D'Artgn
Where he came from l knew not, b
his voice softly speaking at my We
ear brought me to my feet, with
little cry of relief. The Joy Of fndll
him must have found expression in n
eyes, in my eager clasping Of his han
kor he laughed.
"'Tis as though I was truly W
coined, mademoiselle," he said, a
xravely enough. Gould l hope th
yeu were even seeking me yonder?'
ut would be the truth, II you die
I responded frankly, "and l was
~s.~inU n douht vour DromiSe"