Cheyenne record., 1917-02-01
CHAPTER xx-contlnued.


is
'~Thick as dies out there, monsieur"
be answered, land with a marksman
or two among them. Not ten minutes
since Bowain got ball in his head"
"And no orders to clear the devils
out7"
"No. monsieur-only to watch that
they do not form for a rush."
The commandant's office was built
against the last stockade-a long hut
no more pretentious than the others.
A sentry stood at each side of the
closed door, but De Tonty ignored
them and ushered me into the room.
1t was not large, and was already well
alled, a table Uttered with papers oc-
cupying the central space, De Baugis
and De Ia Durantaye seated beside it,
while numerous other figures were
standing pressed against the walls.
recognized the familiar faces Of sew
eral Of our party, but before I recov-
cred from my first embarrassment De
Baugis arose, and with much polite
ness offered me a chair.
De Tonty remained beside me, his
hand resting on my chair back, as he
coolly surveyed the scene. Cassien
pushed past, and occupied 4 vacant
chair, between the other officers, laying
his sword on the table. My eyes swept
about the circle of faces seeking D'Ar-
tigny, but he was not present But for
= slight shuffling Of feet, the silence
was oppressive. Cassion's unpleasant
voice broke the stiffness.
IN. de Tonty, there is a chair yon-
der reserved for your use."
II prefer remaining beside Madame
Cassion," he answered calmly. ut
would seem she has few friends in this
company"
I'VE are all her friends" broke in
De Baugis, his face flushing, "but we
are here to do Justice. and avenge a
foul crime. "Tis told US that madame
possesses certain knowledge which has
not been revealed. Other witnesses
have testified, and we would now
listen to her word. Sergeant Of the
guard, bring In the prisoner"
He entered by way Of the rear door.
manacled, and with an armed soldier
ON either side. Coatless and barehead-
ed. he stood erect in the place assigned
him, and as his eyes swept tie faces.
his stern look changed to a smile as
his glance met mine. My eyes were
still upon him, seeking eagerly for
some message Of guidance, when Cas-
sion spoke.
m. de Baugis will question the wit,
ness"
'"The court viii pardon me-" said
D'Artigny. 1.-THE witness to be heard
% madamew
"Certainly; what means your inter-
ruptonr'
ITO spare the lady unnecessary en-
barrassment. She is my friend, and,
no doubt, may find 1t difficult to testify
against me. I merely venture to ask
her to give this court the exact truth"
"Your words are impertinent."
mo. M. de Baugis," broke in, un-
derstandlng all that was meant. "Sieur
dArhgny has spoken in kindness, and
has my thanks. am ready now to
bear witness frankly. What is 1t you
desire me to tell, monsieur2"
1.-THE story Of your midnight visit
10 the Mission garden at st. Ignace,
the night Hugo Chevet was killed.
Tell 1t in your own words. madame"
As began my voice trembled, and
I was obliged to grip the arms of the
chair to keep myself firm. I read SYM
pathy in De Baugis' eyes, and ad-
dressed him alone. Twice he asked me
questions, in, SO kindly a manner as to
win instant reply. and once he checked
oassion when he attempted to inter-
Tupt, his voice stern with authority.
Il told the story simply. plainly, with
NO attempt at equivocation. and when
I ceased speaking the room was as
client as tomb. De Baugis sat mo-
donless, but Cassion stared at me
across the table, his face dark with
passion.
"Wait." he cried as though thinking
me about to rise. "There are ques-
lions yet"
Monsieur" said De Baugis coldly.
III there are questions 1t is my place
to ask them"
"Ay," angrily beating his hand on
the board. "but 1t il plain to be seen
the woman has bewitched you. No.
will not be denied; am comman-
dant here, and with force enough be-
hind me to make my will law. Scowl
II you will, but here is La Barre's COM
mission, and dare you ignore It So
answer me, madame-you saw DAT
ugny bend over the body Of Chevet-
was your uncle then deadf"
II know not, monsieur; but there
vas no movement"
"Why did you make no report-was
Z to shield D'ArtignyT
hesitated, yet the answer had to
- made.
The 6ieur d'Artigny was my friend.
1sensieur. I did not believe him guilty.
pet my evidence would have cast sus-