Middletown transcript., 1916-07-29

surroundings, for I 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 a 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 busily engaged In
starting fires with which to cook our
morning meal.
1 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 indit-
ferently, and 1 marked the sudden
Strengthening of his body. as though
In surprise, although the distance gave
me no clear vision of his face. As our
canoe came into the shadows ne
sprang down the bank to greet us, hat
in hand, his eyes on me. My own
glance fell before the eagerness in his
face, and l turned away.
"Ah! Monsieur Cassion." he ex-
claimed, the very sound of his voice
evidencing delight. "YOu have guests
on the journey; It's unexpected"
Cassion 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 to you, may l
ask, Sieur d'Artigny?" he said coldly
contemptuous. ''You are but our guide
and it is no concern of yours VINO
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
l did not even venture to glance up to
perceive what occurred, although l 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 a frebrand, and 1t would be
like him to resent such words. How
relieved l felt as his voice made final
answer.
Pardon. Monsieur lie Commissaire,
he said, pleasantly enough. 1T is
true 1 forgot my place in this moment
of surprise. 1 obey your orders"
looked up as he turned away and
disappeared. Cassion stared after him.
smothered an oath, and evidently dis
appointed at so tame an ending Of the
affair, for it was his nature to bluster
and boast. Yet as his lips changed to
grin, knew of what the man was
thinking he had mistaken D'Arti-
gny's actions for cowardice. and felt
assured now of how he would deal
with him. He turned to the canoe,
4 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. l know not how
may escape that fate, or avoid accom-
panying you. So far I submit, but nc
further. l do not love you; l do moi
even feel friendship toward you. Let
me pass"
He grasped my arm. turning me
about until l faced him, his eyes glar
ing into mine.
mot until l speak," he replied
threateningly. "DO not mistake my
temper, or imagine me blind. l know
what has so suddenly changed you-
it is that gay, simpering fool yonder
But be careful how far you go. l an
Your husband, and in authority here.
l released my arm, but did not move
My 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 or
fire
Monsieur" I said cOldly, although
every nerve of my body thrObbed
"you may know girls, but you dea
now with a woman. Your speech. youl
inslnuation Is insult. l disliked you
before; now I despise you, yet l will
say this in answer to what you have
intimated Monsieur d'Artigny is moth
ing to me, save that he hath shown
himself friend. You wrong him, ever
as you wrong me. in thinking other
wise, and whatever the cause of mis-
understanding between us, there is nc
excuse for you to pick quarrel with
him.
Will the Jesuit, Uncle Che
! vet and D'Artigny counterplot
: against Cassion and his iniqui-