Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1916-10-20


We'll, we'll test It then. but not In
the form you anticipate" He smiled,
but not pleasantly, and resumed his
seat at the desk. II propose closing
your mouth, mademoiselle and placing
you beyond temptation. Monsieur Cas-
sion, have the lieutenant at the door
AS though In a daze l saw Cassion
open the door. speak a sharp word to
one without and return, followed by
a young officer. who glanced c%uriously
aside at me. even as he saluted La
Barre, and stood silently awaiting his
orders. The latter remained a mo-
ment m~otionless, his lips firm set.
where is Father lie GuardY
I'm the chapel, monsieur; he passed
me a moment ago"
Good; inform the pere that desire
his presence at once. Wait! know you
the fur trader, Hugo Chevet?'
II have seen the man, monsieur-a
big fellow, with a shaggy head"
"Ay, as savage as the Indians he
has lived among. He Is to be found
at Eclair's wine shop In the Rue st.
Louis. Have your sentries bring him
here to me Attend to both these mat
ters."
Eyes, monsieur"
La Barre's eyes turned from the dis
appearing figure Of the officer, rested a
moment on my face, and then smiled
grimly as he fronted Cassion. He
seemed we'll pleased with himself, and
to have recovered his good humor.
"a delightful surprise for you, Mon
sieur Cassion," he said genially. land
let US hope no less a pleasure for the
fair lady. Be seated. mademoiselle.
Your marriage is to take place to-
night"
This affair is no longer one Of az
fiction; 1t has become the kings bust
ness, a matter Of state. I decide it is
best for you to leave Quebec; ay! and
New France, mademoiselle. There is
but one choice, Imprisonment here, or
exile into the wilderness" He leaned
forward staring into my face with his
fierce, threatening eyes. II feel it bet
ter that you 60 az Monsieur Casslon's
wife, and under his protection. I de-
cree that SO you shall go"
Gas
sionw
Zone Of his party. IT'S my order
also that Hugo Chevet be Of the com
pany. Perchance a year in the wilder
ness may be Of benefit to him, and he
might be Of value in watching ovel
young D'Artigny."
Never have I felt helpless
more utterly alone. l knew oil hi
meant, but my mind grasped no way
of escape. His face leered at me al
through a mist, yet as I glanced aside
at Cassion it only brought home tt
me a more complete detection. Tit
man was glad-gladi He had no con
science, no shame. To appeal to hin
would be waste OF breath-a deeper
humiliation. Suddenly I felt cold, hard
reckless; ay! they had the power Il
force me through the unholy ceremony
1 was only a helpless girl; but beyont
that I would laugh at them; and Cas-
sion-if he dared
The door opened, and a lean prizes
in long black robe entered nolselessly
bending his shaver bead to La Barre
as his crafty eyes swiftly swept on
faces.
Monsieur desired my ~presence"
Eyes, Pere lie Guard, a mission o
happiness. There are two here to b
Joined in matrimony by bonds Of Hol,
church. We but wait the coming o
the lady's guardian"
The pere must have Interpreted tn
expression of my face.
otis regular, monsieur" he asked
by order of the king" returned L
Barre sternly. Beyond that 1t is nc
necessary that you inquire. All! Nor
sieur Chevet; they found you then?
have a pleasant surprise for you. TT
hereby ordered that you accompan
Commissaire Cassion to the Illinoi
country as interpreter. to be paid fror
my private fund"
Chevet stared into the governor
dark face, scarce able to comprehend
his brain dazed from heavy drinking
1.-The Illinois country! Hugo Chi
vet? IT'S some joke, monsieur"
"None at all, Is you will discovt
presently, my man. | do not jest o
the kings service"
"But my land, monsieur; my niece
La Barre permitted himself a laugI
Bah! let the land lie fallow; 'twi
cost little while you draw a wage, an
as for mademolselle, It's that you ma
accompany her l make choice. Stan
back; you have your orders, and no
I'll show you good reason" He stoc
up and placed his hand on Cassion
arm. NOW, my dear Francois, II "
will join the Lady,"