The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1916-10-13
A Romance of
Early Days In
fhe Middle West

He believes that you feel interest
in me?"
Il have never denied Il: the fact
which ranklcs. however. is his kaowl-
edge that | feel no interest whatever
I'm him. But we waste time. monsieur.
in fruitess discussion. our only course
Is a discovery OF Hugo Chevets real
murderer. Know you anything to war.
rant suspicion?"
his eyes looking out on the white
crested waters OF the lake.
"No, madame" he said at length
gravely. The last time Chcvet was
seen alive, So far rs now know, was
when he left the boats in company
with Monsieur Cassion To return To the
Mission house. Could there be any
reason why Cassion should desire the
death OF ChevetE"
IL know OF none. My uncle felt
bitter over the couccalmcnt OF my for
tune. and no doubt the two had TX
changed words. but there was no open
quarrel Chcvet was rough and head
strong yet he was not killed in fight,
for the knife thrust was from behind"
"Ay, "A towards blow. Chcvct
possessed no papers OF valueT
shook my head.
III SO, no mention was ever made
10 me. But, monsieur, you are still
wet, and must be cold I'm this wind.
Why do you not build the fire, aud
dry your clothlngT
"The wind does have nm icy feel"
he admitted, but this Is poor spot.
Up yonder I'm the wood shadow there
is more warmth. and besides IL ar
fords better outlook for the canoes.
Have you strength now 20 climb the
bun?"
The path did not appear difficult,
and II IL dreary enough here. will
try"
did not even require his aid, and
was at the top nearly ms soon as he.
1t was pleasant spot, heavy forest
growing almost To the edge, but with
green carpet OF grass on which one
could rest, and gaze of across the
wide waste OF waters. When | FIN
ally turned away found that DART
gny had already lighted fire with
flint and steel I'm little hollow within
the forest. He called To me TO join
him.
There Is nothing to see" he said.
'and the warmth IL welcome. You
had no glimpse OF the bontsT
NO" I admitted "Do you really
believe they survlvcd?"
There was no reason why they
should not, If properly handled. |
have controlled canoes In fnr worse
storms. They are doubtless safely
ashore beyond the point yonder. You
are not afraid to be left alonc?"
mo" in surprise "Whcrc are you
going"
"TO learn more OF our surroundings
and arrange some traps for wild game
! will not be away long, but someone
should remain here TO signal any
canoe returning In search"
/ watched him disappear among
the trees without regret or slightest
sense OF fear at thus being left alone.
The fire burned brightly and rested
where the grateful warmth put new
Efe into my body. The silence was
profound, depressing and sense OF
intense loneliness stole over me. !
felt n desire 10 get away from the
gloom OF the woods, and climbed the
bank 10 where ! could look out once
more across the waters.
The view outspread before me re
vealcd nothing new; the same dread
waste OF water extended 10 the hOri-
Zon, while down the shore no move
mcnt was visible. As rested there.
oppressed by the loneliness, felt little
hope that the others OF our party had
escaped without disaster.
D'Artlgny did not believe his own
words; ! even suspected that he had
gone now alone 10 explore the shore
line; seeking 10 discover the truth and
the real fate Of our companions At
first this conception Of our situation
startled me, and yet, strange as II may
seem. my realization brought no deep
regret ! was conscious OF feeling
Of freedom, OF libcrty, such as had not
been mine since we departed from
Quebec. was no longer watched,
spied upon, my every movement or
dcred, my speech criticized. More,
was delivered from the hated presence
Of Cassion. ever reminding me that
was his wife. and continually threaten
ing 20 exercise his authority. Ay. and
I was with D'Artigny, alone with him,
and the Joy Of this was 40 deep that
came 20 n sudden realization Of the
truth loved him.