Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1916-07-06
A Romance of
Early Days In
the Middle WeSf


ject of quarrel. Is it my tent they
erect yonderp
"Ay," there was little graciousness
to the tone, for the man had the ma
ture of a bully. "'Twas my thought
that it be brought for your use; and
If Monsieur d'Artigny will consent to
stand aside, it will give me pleasure
to escort you thither."
The younger mans eyes glanced
from the others face into mine, as
though seeking reinsurance. His hat
was instantly in his hand, and he
stepped backward, bowling low.
"The wish of the lady is sufficient"
he said quietly, and then stood again
erect, facing Cassion. yet" he ad-
ded slowly, 81 would remind monsieur
that while serve him as a guide, 1t
Is as a volunteer, and 1 am also an
officer of France"
"Of France? Pah! of the renegade
La Sale"
France has no more loyal servant,
Monsieur Casslon, in all this western
land-nor is he renegade, for he holds
the Illinois at the kings command"
"Held it-yes; under Frontenac, but
not now"
ave will not quarrel over words,
yet not even in Quebec was it claimed
that higher authority than La Barre's
had led to recall. Louis had never in
terfered, and it is De Tonty. and not
De Baugis who is in command at st.
Louis by royal order. My right %
respect of rank is clearer than your
own, monsieur, so beg you curb your
temper"
"You threaten me?"
"No; we who live in the wilderness
do not talk, we act. 1 obey your CT
ders, do your will, on this expedition,
but as a man, not a slave. In all else
we stand equal, and / accept insult
from no living man. IT'S well that
you know this, monsieur"
The hat was back upon his head,
and he had turned away before Cas-
sion found answering speech.
"Mon Dieu! I'll show the pup who
is the MASTER" he muttered. Let
him disobey once, and I'll stretch his
dainty form as 1 would an Indian
cur"
Monsieur" I said, drawing his at
tention to my presence. "'Tis of no
interest to me your silly quarrel with
Sieur d'Artigny. I am weary with the
boat journey, and would rest until
food is served"
I walked beside him among the
trees, and across the patch Of grass
to where the tent stood against a
background of rock. D'Artigny had
disappeared, although I glanced about
in search for him, as Cassion drew
aside the tent flap, and peered within
He appeared pleased at the way in
which his orders had been executed.
"'Tis very neat, indeed, monsieur"
I said pleasantly, glancing inside. II
owe you my thanks"
"'Twas brought for my own use,'
he confessed, encouraged by my gra'
ciousness, "for, as you know, I had
no previous warning that you were
to be of our party. Please step with
in"
1 did so, yet turned instantly to pre-
vent his following me. Already / had
determined on my course of action
and now the time had come for me to
speak him clearly; yet now that l had
definite purpose in view 1t was nc
part of my game to anger the man.
"Monsieur," said soberly 81 must
beg your mercy. am but girl, and
alone. 1t is true am your wife by
law, but the change has come SO sud
denly that 1 am yet dazed. I appea
to you as a gentleman"
He stared into my face, scarcely
comprehending all my meaning.
"You would bar me Without You
forbid me entrancep
would you seek to enter against
my wish2"
"But you are my wife; that you will
not denyl What will be said, thought
If go elsewhereT
Monsieur, save for Hugo Chevet
none in this company know the story
of that marriage, or why / am mere
What 1 ask brings no stain upon you
TITS not that l so dislike you, mon
sleur, but l am the daughter of Pierre
la Chesnayne, and It's not in my blood
to yield to force. 1t will be best tt
yield me respect and consideration"
"You are sly wench," he, said
laughing unpleasantly, "but it may bC
best that give you your own way FOL
this once. There is time enough IL
which to teach you my power. Ant
SO you shut the tent to me, fair lady
in spite of your pledge to Holy church
All, well! there are storms plenty be
tween here and st. Ignace, and yol
will become lonely enough in the viii
derness to welcome me, One kiss, ant
leave you"
, mo, monsieur"
, His eyes were ugly.
"You refuse thatl Mon Dleu! ID
, you think play? 1 will have th
kiss--or more"