The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1916-12-01
CHAPTER VII.
The Two Men Meet.

l could not have slept, although l
must have lost consciousness OF our
surroundings, for l was aroused by
Cassion's voice shouting some com
mand, and became aware that we
were making landing on the river
bank. The sun was two hours high,
and the spot selected q low grass
covered point, shaded by trees. Che
vet had awakened, sobered BY his nap,
and the advance cnnoe had already
been drawn up on the shore, the few
soldiers 1t contained busily engaged In
starting fires with which to cook our
morning meal.
i perceived D'Artigny with my first
glance. standing erect on the bank.
his back toward us, directing the men
in their work. AS we shot forward
toward the landing he turned indif-
fercntly, ard I marked the sudden
Strengthening OF his body, as though
in surprise, although the distance gave
me 10 clear vision Of his face. As u
canoe came into the shadows he
sprang down the bank to greet us, hat
in hand, his eyes on me My w
glance fell before the eagerness in his
face. and l turned away.
"Ah, Monsieur Caasion.' he ex-
claimed, the very sound OF his voice
~evidenclng delight. You have guests
on the journey; It's unexpected"
Cassion stepped owe the side and
frcnted him, no longer a smiling gal
liant Of the court, but brutal IN au.
thority.
And what ia that to you, may !
ask, Eieur d'Artigny" he said coldly
~contemptuous. You are but our guide,
and It Is no concern OF yours who
may compose the company. Twill be
well for you to remember your place,
and attend to your duties. Go, now,
and see that the mon have breakfast
served"
There was a moment OF silence, and
l did not ever venture to glance up to
perceive what occurred, although felt
that D'Artigny's eyes shifted their in
quiry from Cassion's face to mine.
There must be no quarrel now, not
until he knew the truth, not until ]
had opportunity to explain. and yet
he was a frebrand, and it would be
like him to resent such words. How
relieved I felt az his voice made fina'
answer
Pardon, Monsieur lc Commissaire,"
he said, pleasantly enough. 1T is
true forgot my place in this moment
Of surprise. l obey your orders"
l looked up as he turned away and
disappeared. Cassion stared after him,
smothered an oath. and evidently dis
appointed at % tame an ending of the
affair, for It was his nature to b'uster
and boast. Yet as his lips changed to
a grin, I knew OF what the man was
thinking he had mistaken DART
gny's actions for co%wardice. and te1
assured now Of how he would dea'
with him. He turned to the canoe.
q new conception Of Importance Ia .hf
sharp tone OF his voice.
Come ashore, men; az! draw the
boat higher on the sand. Now, Mon
s!eur Cheyet, assist your niece for
ward to where I can help her to land
with dry feet-permit mo. Adele"
1T Is not necessary, monsieur"
replied, avoiding his hand and leap.
ing lightly to the nrm sand. You have
forced mo into marriage; the law holds
me az your wife. l know not how !
may escape that fate, or avoid accom-.
panying you. So far I submit, but NO
further. I do not love you; l do not
even feel friendship toward you. Lsa
me pass"
He grasped my arm, turning me
about until l faced him, his eyes glar-
ing into mine.
mot until I speak," he replied
t~hreateningly. do not mistake my
temper, or imagine me blind. know
what has 20 suddanly changed you
1t is that gay, simper,ng fool yonder.
But be careful how far you go. l am
your husband, and in authority here"
I released my arm, but did not Y
My only feeling toward him at that
moment was one OF disgust, defiance.
The threat In his eyes, the cool insc-
lence Of his speech, set my blood on
ere.
Monsieur" I said coldly, although
every nerve OF my body throbbed,
you may know girls, but you deal
now with a woman Your speech, your
insinuation Is insult. I dIsliked y0u
before; now l despise you. yet / will
say this In answer to what you have
intimated Monsieur d'ArtIgny IL moth
ing to me-, save that he hath shown
himself friend. You wrong him, ever
IS you wrong me, In thinking other.
wise, and whatever the cause OF mis-
understanding between us, there il ne
excuse for you to pick quarrel with
him."
VIII tho Jesuit, Uncle Che
vet and D'Artisny c~ountsrpiot I