Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1916-07-06

water vanished as my lashes fell, and,
before 1 knew it, 1 slept soundly. 1
awoke with the sun in the western
sky, so low down as to peep at me
through the upper branches of trees
lining the bank. Behind us stretched
space of straight water, and one
canoe was close, while the second was
barely visible along a curve of the
shore. Ahead, however, the river ap-
peared vacant, the leading boat hay
ing vanished around a wooded bend.
My eyes met those of Cassion, and the
sight Of him instantly restored me to
recollection of my plan - nothing
could be gained by open warfare. 1
permitted my lips to smile, and noted
instantly the change Of expression in
his face.
81 have slept well, monsieur" 1
said pleasantly, "for was very tired"
"'Tis the best way on a boat .voy-
age" assuming his old manner "but
now the day is nearly DONE"
AS we skirted the extremity of shore
saw the opening in the woods, and
the CLEAN Of cheerful fire amid green
grass. The advance canoe swung half
hidden amid the overhanging roots Of
huge pine tree, and the men were
busily at work ashore. AS we nosed
into the bank, our sharp bow was
grasped by waiting Indians and drawn
safely ashore. reached my feet,
stiffened, and scarcely able to move
my limbs, but determined to land
without aid of Cassion, whose passage
forward was blocked by Chevet's huge
bulk. AS my weight rested on the
edge of the canoe, D'Artigny swung
down from behind the chief, and ex-
tended his hand.
ga slight spring." he said, "and you
land with dry feet; good! now let me
lift you-so."
had but the instant; knew that,
for heard Cassion cry out something
just behind me, and, surprised as
was by the sudden appearance of
| D'Artigny, yet realized the neces-
| sity for swift speech.
"Monsieur," I whispered. "Do not
talk, but listen, You would serve
me?"
"Ayv'
''Then ask nothing, and above all
do not quarrel with Cassion. I will
tell you everything the moment can
see you safely alone. Until then do
not seek me. have your wordF
He did not answer, for the commits.
saire grasped my arm, and thrust him.
self in between us, his action so swift
that the impact of his body thrust
D'Artigny back a step. I saw the
hand of the younger man close on the
knife hilt at his belt, but was quick
enough to avert the hot words burning
his lips.
"a bit rough, Monsieur Cassion,"
cried, laughing merrily, even as re-
leased my arm. "Why so much haste'
1 was near falling, and 1t was but
courtesy which led the Sieur d'Arti
gny to extend me his hand. 1t does
not please me for you to be eveI
seeking a quarrel"
There must have been that in my
| LdSS MhiNu NOOlC0 lOA LID hphN
fell, and his thin lips curled into sar
castle smile.
eff / seemed hasty," he exclaimed
at was more because I was blocked
by that boor of a Chevet yonder, ant
it angered me to have this young
gamecock ever at hand to push in
What think you you were employed
for, fellow-an esquire Of danes? Wa
there not work enough in the CAM
yonder, that you must be testing you
fancy graces every time boat lands?'
There was no mild look in DART
gny's eyes as he fronted him, yet h
held his temper. recalling my plea, NJ
doubt and l fastened to step between
and furnish him excuse for silence.
Surely you do wrong to blame tn
young man, monsieur, as but for hi