The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1916-10-12
CHAPTER Xxx.
- The Cnurt.MartIal.

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"
u found it in Cassion's private bag
last night, under the berth yonder.
Later he came and carried the bag
away, never suspecting it had been
opened. His commission was there
ALSO Read 1t, 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" be exclaimed at last.
II care not whether the man be your
husband, but this is a damnable con-
spiracy, hatched months ago in Que
bee"
bowed my head.
Beyond doubt, monsieur"
"And you found nothing more-no
documents taken from Hugo ChevetT
"None, monsieur; they were either
destroyed in accordance with La
Barre's instructions, or else M. Cas-
sion has them on his person"
"But l 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" l 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 I can trust"
| told the tale simply, concealing
nothing, not even my growing love for
D'Artigny. The man listening inspired
my utmost confidence sought his re-
spect and faith. As came to the end
for a moment he remained motlonless
and silent, his eyes grave with thought
"'Tis a strange, sad case" he said
finally, "and the end Is hard to deter
mine. believe you, madame, and
honor your choice The case is strong
against D'Art1gny; even your testi-
mony is not for his defense. Does M.
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 I 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. II 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 do?"
mo, madame; not now. l shall not
be consulted, nor asked to be present
| am under strict order from La Sale
not to oppose La Barre's officers, and
even If l were disposed to disobey my
chief, 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?
"Ay, 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 plan
to me, but l gave no encouragement
Yet, now that know the truth, shall
not oppose. Have you courage, ma
dame, to give him your assistance
'Tis like to be a desperate venture. II
drew a deep breath, but with nc
sense of fear.
"Yes, monsieur. Who is the man
am to trustT'
Francois de Boisrondet, the one
who led the rescue party Last night.
"a gallant lad
1 "Ay, a gentleman Of France, a dar
ing hear, Tonight"
The door opcned, and the figure Of q
man stood out. ned against the bright
er glow without. De Tonty was on his
feet fronting the newcomer, ere ever
realized it was Cassion who stood
there, glaring at us. Behind him two
soldiers waited In the sunshine.
what is the meaning of this, M
de Tonty?" he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at frlendllness. "a rather early
moHnAng call, regarding which l was
not even consulted. Have husbands
no rights in this wilderness paradiser 2
'Such rights as they uphold" re
turned the Italian. erect and motion
| less. II am always at yO sea