Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1916-10-20
CHAPTER WI. : Y


surroundings, for l was aroused by
Cassion's voice shouting some com
mand, and became aware that we
were making landing on the river
bank. The sun was two hours high,
and the spot selected n low grass
covered point, shaded by trees. Che
vet had awakened, sobered by his nap.
and the advance canoe had already
been drawn up on the shore, the few
soldiers it contained buslly engaged In
starting fires with which to cook our
morning meal.
I perceived D'Artigny with my first
glance, standing erect on the bank.
his back toward us, directing the men
in their work. AS We shot forward
toward the landing he turned indif-
ferently, and l marked the sudden
Strengthening Of his body, as though
In surprise, although the distance gave
me no clear vision of his face, AS u
canoe came into the shadows he
sprang down the bank to greet us, hat
in hand. his eyes on me. My W
glance fell before the eagerness In his
face, and l turned away.
"Ah! Monsieur Cassion," he cx
claimed, the very sound OF his voice
evidencing delight. You have guests
on the journey; It's unexpected"
Casslon stepped over the side and
frOnted him, no longer a smiling gal
liant OF the court, but brutal in au.
| thority.
"And what Is that 10 you, may
ask, Sieur d'Artigny" he said coldly
contemptuous. you are but Il guide,
and 1t is no concern Of yours who
may compose the company. Twill be
we'll for you to remember your place,
and attend to your duties. Go, now.
and see that the men have breakfast
served"
There was a moment OF silence, and
I did not even venture to glance up to
perceive what occurred, although I felt
that D'Artigny's eyes shifted their In.
quiry from Cassion's face to mine
There must be no quarrel now, not
until he knew the truth, not until l
had opportunity to explain, and yet
he was n frebrand, and 1t would be
like him to resent such words. How
relieved l felt as his voice made final
answer.
pardon, Monsieur lie Commlssaire,'
he said, pleasantly enough. ut 10
true I forgot my place in this moment
Of surprise. l obey your orders"
| looked UP as he turned away and
disappeared. Casslon stared after him.
smothered an oath, and evidently dis
appointed Mt so tame an ending Of the
affair, for It was his nature to buster
and boast. Yet rs his lips changed to
n grin, | knew OF what the man was
thinking II he had mistaken D'Arti-
gny's actions for cowardlce, and felt
assured now OF how he would deal
with him. He turned to the canoe,
a new conception OF importance in the
sharp tone of his voice.
Come ashore, men; ay! draw the
boat higher on the sand. Now. Mon
sieur Chevet, assist your niece for
ward to where | can help her to land
with dry feet-permit me, Adele"
ut Is not necessary, monsieur" /
replied, avoiding his hand and leap
ing lightly to the firm sand. "You have
forced me into marriage; the law holds
me as your wife. | know not how |
may escape that fate, or avoid accom-
panylng you. SO far I submit, but nc
further. ! do not love you; | do not
even feel friendship toward you. Let
me pass"
He grnsped my arm. turning me
about until | faced him, his eyes gar-
ing into mine.
mot until I speak" he replied
threateningly. "Do not mistake my
temper, or imagine me blind. / know
what has so suddenly changed you
It is that gay, simpering fool yonder'
But be careful how far you go. am
your anu al duLloiIhJ hCiN'
I released my arm, but did not move
Ny only feeling toward him at that
moment was one Of disgust, defiance,
The threat in his eyes, the cool inso'
lence Of his speech, set my blood on
fire.
Monsieur" | said coldly, although
every nerve OF my body thrObbed,
you may know girls, but you deal
row with n woman. Your speech. your
i~nsinuatlon is insult. l dlsliked you
before; now | despise you, yet | will
say this In answer to what you have
intimated Monsieur d'Artigny Ia moth
: ing to me, save that Re hath shown
himself friend. You wrong him, even
/. as you wrong me, in thinking other
wise, and whatever the cause Of mis-
understanding between us, there Ia ne
excuse for voc to pick quarrel with
him"
viii the Jesuit, Uncle Che
: vet and o'Artigny counterploi
against Cassion and his lnlqui-