Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1916-09-07
Hap Xxx.
The court-Martlal.

De Tonty took the paper from my
hand, glanced at it, then lifted his eyes
inquiringly to mine.
'"'Tis in the governors own hand.
How came this in your possessionT"
81 found 1t in Cassion's private bag
last night, under the berth yonder.
Later he came and carried the bag
away, ~suspecting 1t had been
opened. His commission was there
also. Read it, monsieur"
He did SO slowly, carefully, seeming
TO weigh every word, his eyes darken-
ing, and a flush creeping into his swar-
thy cheeks.
Madame" he exclaimed at last,
II care not whether the man be your
husband, but this is a damnable con-
spiracy, Matched months ago in Que
bec."
| bowed my head.
Beyond doubt, monsieur"
"And you found nothing moreno
documents taken from Hugo Chevet?'
"None, monsieur; they were either
destroyed in accordance with La
Barrels Instructions, or else M. Cas-
sion has them on his person."
But | do not understand the rea-
son for such foul treachery. What oc-
Cured back in New France to cause
the murder of Chevet and this attempt
to convict D'Artigny of the crime?"
"Sit here, monsieur" | said, my
voice trembling, land l will tell you
the whole story. l must tell you, for
there is no one else in Fort st. Louis
whom l can trust"
l told the tale simply, concealing
nothing, not even my growing love for
D'Artigny. The nan listening inspired
my utmost confidence sought his re-
spect and faith. AS l came to the end
for a moment he remained motionless
and silent, his eyes grave with thought.
"'Tis a strange, sad case" he said
finally, "and the end is hard to deter
mine. l believe you, madame, and
honor your choice. The case is strong
against D'Artigny; even your tesh-
mony is not for his defense. Does NJ.
Cassion know you saw the young man
that night?"
HE has dropped a remark or two
which show suspicion. Possibly some
one of the men saw me outside the
Mission house, and made report"
'Then he will call you as a wit
ness. If l know the nature of Cas-
sion his plan of trial is a mere form,
although doubtless he will ask the
presence Of Captain de Baugis and M.
de la Durantaye. Neither will oppose
him, so long as he furnishes the proof
necessary to convict. He will give his
evidence, and call the Indian, and per
chance a soldier or two. who will
swear to whatever he wishes. If need
ed, he may bring you in also to
strengthen the case. D'Artigny will
make no defense, because he has no
witnesses, and because he has a fool
notion that he might compromise you
by telling the whole truth"
"Then there is no hope; nothing we
can doT"
"No, madame; not now. / shall not
be consulted, nor asked to be present
| am under strict order from La Sale
not to oppose La Barrels officers, and,
even If l were disposed to disobey my
chief, l possess no force with which to
act. l have but ten men on whom
could rely, while they number over
forty" He leaned closer, whispering
"Our policy is to wait, and act after
the prisoner has been condemned"
How? You mean a rescue"
SAY, there lies the only hope. There
is one man here who can turn the
trick. He is D'Artigny's comrade and
friend. Already he has outlined a plar
to me, but l gave no encouragement
} Yet, now that l know the truth, l shall
} not oppose. Have you courage, ma
dame, to give him your assistance
IT'S like to be a desperate venture
l drew a deep breath, but with M
| sense of fear.
Eyes, monsieur. Who is the mar
! am to trust?"
: "Francois de Boisrondet, the ON
who led the rescue party last night.
"A gallant lad"
t GAY, a gentleman Of France, a dar
ing heart. Tonight"
The door opened, and the figure Of
{. man stood outlined against the bright
s err glow without. De Tonty was on hi
e feet fronting the newcomer, ere ! eyei
realized 1t was Cassion who stool
/ there, glazing at us. Behind him tw,
o soldiers waited in the sunshine.
"What is the meaning Of this, NJ
de TontyT he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at friendliness. "a rather earl,
morning call, regarding which | wa
e not even consulted. Have husband
t no rights in this wilderness paradise?
b "Such rights as they uphold" re
turned the Italian, erect and motion
less. 81 am always at your servic,
NJ. Cassion. Madame and | have cor
versed without permission. II that b
d crime, | answer for 1t now, or whe
G you will"
n 1t was in Cassion's heart to strik,
l read the desire in his eyes, In tn
g swift clutch at his sword hilt; but tn
h sarcastic smile on De Tonty's thin lip
robbed him Of courage.
"'Tls best you curb your tongue,
he snarled, "or ! will have you in tn
guardhouse with D'Artigny. ] con
h mand now"
4. $50 | hear. Doubtless you could col
vict m as easily"
n what do you meant"
10 "only that your whole case is a I'll
s. sue Of Hes"
Is "Pahl you have her word for 1t, n
is doubt. But you will sing a differer
ia song presently. Ay, and 1t will be h,
testimony which will hang the villain,