The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1916-07-27
CHAPTER V.-contlnued.


adele, arrived at the ball with Cas-
sion, has just been introduced to Gov
ernor La Barre. She hears him warn
her escort to beware Of D'Artigny.)
"Perchance not, yet the way is long,
and he knows the wilderness. advise
YOU guard him well. l shall send to
you for council in an hour; there are
papers yet unsigned"
He turned away to greet those VINO
followed us in line, while we moved
forward into the crowd about the
walls. Cassion whispered in my ear
telling me bits of gossip about this
and that one who passed us, seeking
to exhibit his wit, and impress me
with his wide acquaintance. L must
have made fit response, for his voice
never ceased, yet felt no interest IN
the stories, and disliked the man more
than ever for his vapid boasting. Inc
truth is my thought was principally
concerned with D'Artigny, and wheth-
er he would really gain admission. Still
Of this had small doubt, for his was
a daring to make light of guards, or
any threat of enemies, If desire urgeo
him on. And l had his pledge.
My eyes watched every moving hg-
IRE but the man was not present, my
anxiety increasing as l realized MS
absence, and speCulated as to Its cause.
Could Cassion have interfered? Could
he have learned of our interview, and
used his influence secretly to prevent
our meeting again2 1t was not 1mpos-
sible, for the man was seemingly IN
cloWe touch with Quebec, and undoubt-
cdlJ possessed power My desire 10
SEQ D'Artigny was now for his own
sake-to warn him Of danger ana
treAchery. The few words I had caught
passing between La Barre and Cas-
sion had to me a sinister meaning;
they were a promise Of protection
from the governor to his lieutenant,
and this officer Of La Salle's should be
warned that he was suspected ana
watched. There was more to La
Barre's words than appeared openly
if would be later, when they were
alone, that he would give his real
orders to Cassion. Yet l felt small
doubt as to what those orders would
be, nor Of the failure of the lieutenant
70 execute them. The wilderness hiC
uenv secret and might well Concea
another. In some manner that nlgh
must find D'Artigny, and whisper m!
warning.
These were my thoughts, crystalliz
ing into purpose, yet l managed II
smile cheerily into the face of the com
missaire and make such reply to nj
badinage as gave him pleasure.
danced with him twice, pleased 7
know l had not forgotten the step, ant
then, as he felt compelled to show at
tenuon to the governors lady he let
me in charge of tall, thin officer
Major Gallons, l think - reluctantly
and disappeared in the crowd. NeVe
did I part with one more Willingly
and as the major spoke scarcely
dozen words during our long dance tc
gether I found opportunity to think
and decide upon a course of action.
As the music ceased my only pla
was to avoid Cassion as long as pos
sIble, and, at my suggestion, the siler
major conducted me to a side room
and then disappeared, seeking refresl
ments. l grasped the opportunity
slip through the crowd, and find col
cealment in a quiet corner.
leaned forward scanning each pas
ing face, my whole attention concel
trared on the discovery of D'Art1gn,
Where he came from l knew not, b'
his voice softly speaking at my vel
ear brought me to my feet, with
little cry of relief. The joy Of findir
him must have found expression in n
eyes, in my eager clasping of his han
for he laughed.
"'Tis as though l was truly we
coined, mademoiselle," he said, ar
gravely enough. Gould l hope tn
you were even seeking me yonder"
ut would be the truth, If you did
I responded frankly, "and was b
ginning to doubt your promise"
"Nor was it as easily kept as su
posed when given," he said under b
breath. "Come with me into this si'
room where we can converse mo
freely-I can perceive Monsieur Ca
sion across the floor. No doubt he
seeking you, and my presence he
will give the man no pleasure"
I glanced in the direction indicate
and although saw nothing Of t
commissaire, l slipped back willing
enough through the lifted curtain In
the deserted room behind. 1t W
evidently an Office Of some kind,
1t contained only desk and sor
chairs, and was unlighted. except