Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-06-23
CHAPTER v.
Tho Order of La Barre.


I did not recognize the voice speak
ing-a husky voice, the words indis-
tinct, yet withal forceful-nor do I
know what it was he said. But when
the other answered, tapping on the
desk with some instrument, I knew the
second speaker to be La Barre, and
leaned back just far enough to gain
glimpse through the opening in the
drapery. He sat at the desk, his back
toward us, while his companion, a red
faced, heavily moustached man, In uni
form of the Rifles, stood opposite, one
arm on the mantel over the fireplace.
His expression was that Of amused
interest.
you saw the lady?" he asked.
"In the receiving line for a moment
only; a fair enough maid to be loved
for her own sake, / should say. Faith,
never have l seen handsomer eyes,"
The other laughed.
"'Tis well madame does not over
hear that confession. An heiress, and
beautiful Pifl but she might find
others to her liking rather than this
fCassion."
cit Is small chance she has had to
make choice, and as to her being an
heiress. where heard you such a ru-
1nor, Colonel Deiguardf
The officer Strengthened up.
you forget, SIR" he said slowly,
r''that the papers passed through my
hands after Captain la Chesnayne's
death. 1t was at your request they
failed to reach the hands Of Fronte-
mac"
La Barre gazed at him across the
desk, his brows contracted into a
lfrown.
mo, I had not forgotten" and the
words sounded harsh. but they came
to me properly sealed, and 1 supposed
unopened. I think I have some reason
to ask an explanation, monsieur"
"And one easily made. I saw only
the letter, but that revealed enough to
permit of my guessing the rest. It
is true, is 1t not, that La Chesnayne
left an estate Of value?"
"He thought so, but, as you must
be aware, it had been alienated by act
of treason"
GAY! but Comte de Frontenac ap-
pealed the case to the king, who grant
ed pardon and restoration"
$50, twas rumored, but unsupport-
ed by the records. So far as New
France knows there was no reply from
Versailles"
The colonel stood erect and advanced
a step, his expression one Of sudden
curiosity.
I'm faith, governor" he said swiftly,
''but your statement awakens wonder.
If this be SO why does Francois Cas-
sion seek the maid so %ardently? Never
did I deem that cavalier one to throw
himself away without due reward"
La Barre laughed.
"Perchance you do Francois Ill judg-
ment, Monsieur lie Colonel" he replied
amused. mo doubt tits love, for, In
truth, the witch would send sluggish
blood dancing with the glance of her
eyes,. STILL" more soberly, his eyes
falling to the desk, "'tis, as you say,
scarce I'm accord with Cassion's ma
ture to thus make sacrifice, and there
have been times when I suspected he
did some secret purpose. I use the
man, yet never trust him."
Nor 1. since he played me foul
trick at La Chine. Could he have
found the paper of restoration, and
kept it concealed, until all was in his
handsY"
II have thought Of that, yet 1t doth
not appear possible. Francois was In
Ill grace with Frontenac, and could
never have reached the archives. If
the paper came to his hands it was
by accident, or through some treach-
cry. Well, tbs small use Of u dis
cussing the matter. He hath won my
pledge to Mademoiselle la C~hesnayne's
hand, for I would have him friend, not
enemy, just now. They marry on his
return"
HE Is chosen then for the mission
to Fort st. LouisY
cay, there were reasons for his Sc
lection. The company departs at dawn.
Tell him. monsieur. that I await him