The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-02-15

tone: III accident occur the report
may be briefly made. | think that
will be all"
Both men were upon their feet. and
La Barre extended his hand across the
desk. | do not know what movement
may have caused 1t. but at that mo-
ment a wooden ring holding the cur
tain fell. and struck the floor at my
feet. Cbeying the first impulse |
thrust D'Artigny back behind me into
the shadow. and held aside the drap-
cry. Both men turning, startled at the
sound, beheld me clearly, and stared In
amazement. Cassion took a step for
ward, an exclamation Of surprise
breaking from his lips.
Adele! Mademoiselle"
stepped more fully into the light.
permitting the curtain to fall behind
me, and my eyes swept their faces.
Yes. monsieur-you were seeking
me-"
For an hour past; for what reason
did you leave the ballroomY'
With no purpose In my mind but to
gain time in which to collect my
thought and protect D'Artigny from
discovery. l made answer, assuming a
carelessness OF demeanOr which | was
far from feeling.
Has It been so long. MONSIEUR
returned in apparent surprise. why
l merely sought a breath Of fresh air,
and became interested In the scene
without"
La Barre stood ~motionless. just as
he had risen to his feet at the first
alarm, his eyes on my face. his heavy
eyebrows contracted in a frown.
II will question the young lady, Cas-
sion" he said sternly. "for l have in
terests here Of my own. Mademoi-
selle!'
Eyes, monsieur"
How long have you been behind
that curtainT'
Monsieur Cassion claims to have
sought me for an hour"
Enough OF that" his voice grown
harsh. and threatening. "You address
the governor; answer nj direct"
lifted my eyes to his stern face,
but they instantly fell before the en-
counter OF his fierce gaze.
81 do not know, monsieur"
who was here when you came in?"
NO one, monsieur: the room was
empty"
"Then you hid there, and overheard
the conversation between Colonel Del
guard and mysolf?"
Eyes, monsieur" | confessed, feel
ing my limbs tremble.
And also all that has passed since
Monsieur Cassion enteredY"
Yes, monsieur
He drew n deep breath, striking his
hand on the desk. as though he would
control his anger.
"Were you alone? Had you a com
p%anion?"
know not how | managed it, yet |
raised my eyes to his, Stimulating n
surprise | was far from feeling.
"Alone, monsieur? | nm Adele Ia
Chesnayne: if YOU doubt. TIE way Of
discovery Is open without word from
me-"
His suspicious, doubling eyes never
left my face, and there was sneer in
his voice as he answered.
bah. | am not in love to be played
with by a witch. Perchance It's not
easy for you to lie. Well, we will see
Look within the a~lcove, Cassion."
The commissaire was there ever be-
fore the words Of command were ut
tered, and my heart seemed to stop
beating as his heavy hand tore aside
the drapery. l leaned on the desk,
bracing myself, expecting a blow, a
struggle; but all was silent. CassiOn,
braced, and expectant, peered into the
shadows, evidently percsiving nothing;
then stepped within, only to instantly
reappear, his expression that Of dis
appointment. The blood surged back
to my heart, and my lips smiled.
NO n Is there, monsieur" he re-
ported. but the window is open"
And not a dangerous leap to the
court below" returned La Barre
th%oughtfully. $50 far you win, made
moiselle. Now will you answer me
were you alone there ten minutes
ago?"
1t is useless for me to reply, mon
sieur," ! answered with dignity, las
il will in no way change your deci-
sion"
You have courage. at least"
The inheritance Of my race, mon.
sieur.'
Well, well test it then, but not In
the form you anticipate" He smiled,
but not pleasantly, and resumed his
seat at the desk. II propose closing
your mouth, mademOiselle and placing
you beyond temptation. Monsieur Cas-
sion, have the lieutenant at the door
enter"
As though In a daZe ] saw Cassion
open the door, speak a sharp word to
one without and return, followed by
Il young officer, who glanced curiously
aside at me, even as he saluted La
Barre, and stood silently awaiting his
orders. The latter remained a mo
ment motionless. his lips firm set.