Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1916-10-27

water vanished as my lashes fell, and,
before I knew It, l slept soundly. /
awoke with the u in the western
sky, so low down as to peep at me
through the upper branches Of trees
lining the bank. Behind us stretched
a space Of straight water, and one
| canoe was close, while the second was
barely visible along a curve Of the
shore. Ahead. however, the river ap-
peared vacant, the leading boat hav-
ing vanished around a wooded bend.
My eyes met those Of Casslon, and the
sight Of him instantly restored me to
a recollection of my plan nothing
could be gained by open warfare. l
permitted my lips to smile, and noted
instantly the change Of expression in
his face.
II have slept well, monsieur" I
said pleasantly, "for l was very tired"
""Tis the best way on a boat vOy-
age" assuming his old manner, but
now the day is nearly done"
As we skirted the extremity OF shore
l saw the opening in the woods, and
the CLEAN of a cheerful fire amid green
grass. The advance canoe swung half
hidden amid the overhanging roots of
a huge pine tree, and the men were
busily at work ashore. AS we nosed
into the bank, our sharp bow was
grasped by waiting Indians and drawn
safely ashore. 1 reached my feet,
stiffened, and scarcely able to move
my limbs, but determined to land
without aid Of Cassion, whose passage
forward was blocked by Chevet's huge
bulk. As my weight rested on the
edge Of the canoe, D'Artlgny swung
down from behind the chief, and ex
tended his hand.
"A slight spring" he said, land you
land with dry feet; good! now let m'
lift you-so."
l had but the instant; I knew that
for I heard Cassion cry out something
Just behind me, and, surprised as
was by the sudden appearance o.
D'Artigny, l yet realized the neces
sity for swift speech.
Monsieur" I whispered. do no
talk, but listen. You would serv'
me-"
cay"
"Then ask nothing, and above al
do not quarrel with Cassion. I will
tell you everything the moment / cal
see you safely alone. Until then d.
not seek me. I have your wordT
He did not answer, for the commits
saire grasped my arm, and thrust him
self in between us, his action SO swift
that the impact Of his body thrus
D'Artigny back a step. saw tn
hand Of the younger man close on tn
knife hilt at his belt, but was quicl
enough to avert the hot words burning
his lips.
"a bit rough, Monsieur Casslon,"
cried, laughing merrily, even as re
leased my arm. "Why so much haste
l was near falling, and 1t was bu
courtesy which led the Sieur DART
gny to extend me his hand. 1t doe
not please me for you to be eve
seeking a quarrel"
There must have been that In m
face which cooled him, for his han
fell, and his thin lips curled into sal
castle smile.
IF l seemed hasty," he exclaimed
1T was more because I was blocke
by that boor of a Chevet yonder, an
1t angered me to have this youn
gamecock ever at hand to push II
What think you you were employe
for, fellow-an esquire Of danes? Wa
there not work enough in the cam
yonder, that you must be testing you
fancy graces every time a boat lands?
There was no mild look in Dart
gny's eyes as he fronted him, yet b
held his temper, recalling my plea, n
doubt, and | fastened to step betwee
I and furnish him reuse for silence.
/. Surely you do wrong to blame II
r young man, monsieur. ~ bat tor b