The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1916-08-18

ernor Ia Barre. She hears him warn
her escort to beware Of C'Artigny.)
"Perchance not. yet the way is long.
and he knows the wilderness. l advise
you guard him well. I 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
TO exhibit his wit, and impress me
with his wide acquaintance. | must
have made fit response. for his voice
never ceased, yet | felt no interest In
the stories. and disliked the man more
than ever for his vapid boasting. The
truth is my thought was principally
concerned with D'Artigny, 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 | had his pledge.
My eyes watched every moving fig
ure, but the man was not present, my
anxiety increasing as ! realized his
absence. and speculatcd as to its 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 own
sake-to warn him OF danger and
treachery. The few words | had caught
passing between la Barre and Cas-
sion had to me a sinister meaning;
they were promise Of protection
from the governor TO his lieutenant,
and this officer OF La Sales should be
warned that he was suspected and
watched There was more to La
Barre's words than appeared openly:
Il would be later. when they were
alone that he would give his real
orders to Cassion. Yet | felt small
doubt as to what those orders would
10 execute them. The wilderness hid
many a secret. and might well conceal
another. In some manner that night
/ must find D'Artigsy, and whisper my
warning.
These were my thoughts. crystalliz-
ing into purpose yet | managed to
smile cheerily into the face Of the com
missaire and make such reply 10 his
badInage as gave him pleasure. |
danced with him twice, pleased to
know had not forgotten the step, and
then. as he felt compelled 10 show at
tention 10 the governors lady. he left
me in charge OF a tall. thin ofiicer-a
Major Gallons, think - reluctantly.
and disappeared in the crowd. Never
did | part with one more willingly,
and as the major spoke scarcely
dozen words during our long dance to-
gether I found opportunity to think,
and decide upon a course OF action.
As the music ceased my only plan
was to avoid Cassion as long as pos
sible. and. at my suggestion. the silent
major conducted me TO a side room.
and then disappeared. seeking refresh
ments. grasped the opportunity TO
slip through the crowd. and find con-
cealment In a quiet corner.
leaned forward scanning each pass
ing face. my whole attention concen-
trated on the discovery OF D'Artigny.
Where be came from knew not. but
his voice softly speaking at my very
ear brought me 10 my feet. with a
little cry OF relief. The Joy OF finding
him must have found expression in my
eyes. in my eager clasping OF bis hand.
for he laughed.
"'Tls as though 7 was truly vel
coined. mademoiselle." be said. and
gravely enough. Gould hope that
you were even seeking me yonderT'
"It would be the truth. II you did"
responded frankly. "snd ! was be-
ginning to doubt your promise"