The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1916-09-14

riddle Is not so hard 10 read. al
though. no doubt. the trick has been
well played. I know Governor Ia
Barre. and this Francois Casslon. foI
| have served under both, while Mon
sieur la Chesnayne was my captain
and friend. May I tell you what. In
| my Judgment. seems best for you tc
dor
I glanced at D'Artigny. and bis
eyes gave me courage.
Monsieur. you are French sol
der" answered. ian educated man
also. and my fathers friend. I will
listen gladly"
His eyes smiled. and he swept the
earth with his cap.
"Then my plan ls thls-leave Mon
sleur Casslon to go his way. and lei
me be your guide southwark. know
the trails. and the Journey Is not dliIl'
cult. NJ. de Ia Durantaye Is camped
at the portage Of the Des PLANES
having but a handful OF men. TO be
sure. yet he is a gallant officer, and m
enemy to la Sale. although he serves
| the governor. He will see justice
done, and give you both safe convoy tG
Fort St Louis. where De Tonty knows
how to protect his officers. Faith!
would like to see Francois Cassion try
to browbeat that one-armed Italian
'twould be one time he would meet
his match"
D'ArtlGny laughed.
"Ay. you are right there, my friend
have felt the Iron hook. and wit.
messed how he wins his way with
white and red. Yet he is no longer In
command at Fort St Louis; bring
him orders now from Sleur &c Ia
Sale bidding him not to interfere
with the governors lleutenaHts. IT'S
the ChevalIer de Baugls with whom
We must reckon"
"True. he hls control. and men
enough. with Casslon's party, TO en-
force his order. And he Is a hot.head
conceIted, and holding himself BIT
better than others, because he bears
commission In the Kings Dragons.
'Tls said that he and De Tonty have
had many q stlff quarrel since he
came: but he dare not go too far.
There are good men there. ready to
draw sword II II ever come TO blows
De Tonty. BoIsrondet. L'Esplrance.
De Marie. and the AlgonquIns camped
on the plain below. They would be
tigers II the Italian spoke the word
while | doubt not NJ. de Ia Durantaye
would. throw his influence on the side
OF mercy; he has small love for the
captain OF Dragons"
spoke quickly. and before D'Ar.
tigny could voice decision.
I'VE will accept your guidance
monsieur. II Is the best choice, and
now the only one. for the time is past
when we can expect the return OF
the canoes. Can we not at once begin
the Journey"
II was an hour later after we had
eaten. that we left the bluff. and
turned westward Into the great woods
Barbeau led the way, moving along
the bank Of a small stream. and |
followed. with D'Artlgny close be-
hind. As we had nothing to carry,
except the soldiers rifle and blanket.
we made rapid progress, aud in less
than half an hour we came to the
Indian trail. which led southwark
from Green Bay to the headwaters OF
the Des PLANES.
II was late In the afternoon OF the
second day when we arrived at the
forks OF the Chicago river. There was
drlzzle OF rain In the air, and never
saw more desolate spot; a bare
dreary plain. and away to the east
ward a GLIMPSE OF the lake.
A hut OF logs. mere shack scarcely
fit for shelter. stood on a slight emf
nence. giving wide view In every d.
rection. but It was unoccupIed, the
door aiar. Rarbeau. In advance
stared at II In surprise, gave utter.
ance to an oath. and ran forward to
peer within. Close behind him,
caught glimpse OF the interior. my
own heart heavy with disappointment.
II this miserable place had been
the headquarters OF NJ. de Ia Drran.
tnye, evidently II was so no longer
Not q yestlge OF occupancy remained,
save a rotten blanket on the floor. and
broken bench In one corner. Rude
hunks lined two walls. and a table
hewed from a log stood In the center
Of the dirt floor. On this was a paper
pinned to the wood by broken knife
blade. Barbeau grasped II, and read
the writing, handing II back to me-
II was scrawl OF a few words. yet
told the whole story.
Francois Casslon, under commits.
sion OF Governor la Barre, arrived
with party OF soldiers and Indians
At his orders we accompany the force
10 Fort st. Louis.
"DE LA DURANTAYE."
perhaps II Is as we'll" commented
D'Artlgny lightly. AT least as far as
my good health goes: but tbs like to
make = hard journey for you. ma
dame"
"Is It far yet until we attain the
fort?"
"A matter Of twenty-five leagues; OF
no moment had we boat In which to
float downstream. but the trail, as I
remember. Is rough"
"Perchance there may be boat"
intercepted Barbeau. "There was the
wreck OF an Indian canoe a mile be-
ia,.. Hnr. On tl,a No.. nI.tunu ,..k -.