The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1916-09-29
CHAPTER Xxx.
The Court-Martlal.

lnquirinSly TO mine.
"'Tis in the governors own hand.
How came this In your possession p
81 found it in Cassion's private bag
last night. under the berth yonder.
Later he came and carried the bag
away, never suspectng 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 flush creeping into his swar-
thy cheeks.
Madame" he exclaimed at last.
II care not whether the man be your
husband, but this Is damnable con
spiracy. Matched months ago in Que
bec."
I bowed my head.
Beyond doubt, monsieur"
"And you found nothing more
documents taken from Hugo ChevetF"
None. monsieur; they were either
destroyed in accordance with La
Barre's instructions, or else NJ. Cas-
sion has them on his person.
"But I 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" I said. my
voice trembling, "and will tell you
the whole story. must tell you. for
there is no one else in Fort St Louis
whom can trust"
l 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 moment he remained motionless
and silent. his eyes grave with thought
"'Tis a strange, sad case," he said
finally. "and the end Is hard to deter
mine. I believe you. madame, and
honor your choice The case is strong
against D'Artigny; even your testi-
mony Is not for his defense. Does NJ.
Cassion know you saw the young man
that night?"
"He has dropped 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. II know the nature of Cas-
sion his plan of trial is a mere form,
although doubtless he will ask the
presence of Captain de Baugfs and NJ.
de la Durantaye. Neither will oppose
him. go 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'A-trsDy will
MAKE no defense, because A has no
witnesses. and because he has = foo
notion that he might compromisN you
BY telling the whole truth"
"Then there is no hope; nothing We
can do?'
"No, madame: not now. shall MOI
be consulted. nor asked to be present.
| am under strict order from La Sale
not to oppose La Barre's officers, and.
even If were disposed to disobey my
chief, possess no force with which to
act. I have but ten men on whom I
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 rescueT
cay, 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 I gave no encouragement.
Yet. now that know the truth. shall
not oppose Have you courage. ma
dame. to give him your assistance?
IT'S like to be a desperate venture"
drew a deep breath. but with no
sense of fear.
Eyes, monsieur. Who is the man I
am to trustT'
Francois de Boisrondet, the one
who led the rescue party last night
"a gallant lad"
cay. gentleman OF France, a dar-
ing heart. Tonight"
The dCor opened. and the figure Of a
man stood outlined against the bright
er glow without. De Tonty was on his
feet fronting the newcomer. ere even
realized II wss Casslon who stood
!! there. glaring o. us. Behind him two
soldiers waited l.. the sunshine.
"What Is the meaning OF this. NJ.
de Tonty?" he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at friendliress. "a rather early
raorning call. ressrding which I was
cot even consulted. Have husbands
TO rights In this wilderness paradise!' z
"Such rights 80 they uphold" re-
turned the Italisr. erect and motion,
less. 81 am always at your service,
N. Cassion. Madame and l have con-
| versed without permission. II that be
crime, l answer for 1t now. or when
you WILL"
It was In Casslon's heart to strike.
read the desire in his eyes. In the
| swift clutch at bis sword hilt; but the
sarcastic smile on De Tonty's thin lips
robbed him of courage.
"'Tis best you curb your tongue.
ne snarled, cor I will have you In the
guardhouse with D'Artigny. com
mand now"
$50 | hear. Doubtless you could con.
vict me as easily"
what do you meanr
"Only that your whole case IL tis;
| sue Of lies"
"Pah! you have her word for 1t, nc
doubt. But you will sing differen,
song presently. Ay. and 1t will be bel
! testimony which VIII hang the villain