The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1917-02-03
A single glance made Blackford real
izh fhair meaning

"Oh, David, DavidP' he cried.
A thousand voices, the confused
murmur of mighty throng, seemed
ringing in Toinette's brain, and she
fought against a sickening giddiDess
that made the walls whiri around her.
'sThat is enough, Mr.. Blackford?'
she asked weakly; and on tottering
knees she turned and left the two
men alone.
"Surely you can explain this, Davy"
cried Ike; his faith in his friend chung
to him in stubborn defiance of the doc
uments' mute accusation.
"Do you think it necessary to ex-
plain?" said David harshly. The anger
which he had withheld from Toinette
had mounted slowly until now his iron
will had reached a white heat of furi-
Gus resentment. "By God, l explain
to no man"
Ike looked him straight in the eyes.
mo map On earth can use that tone
to me- it said quietly, Except
you, David, old man."
He laid his hand gently on his
friends shoulder and the angry light
In David's eyes was suddenly Guenched.
at isn't true" he said, and was ST.
lent once again.
THAT'S the only explanation you
and 1 need, David" Ike answered with
grave smile; and David crushed his
hand in a mighty grip.
like, you understand! You believe
| in mel" he cried in voice that
| showed how cruel the strain upon his
nervous pride had been; and the two
young men smiled straight into each
| others eyes.
David had meant to keep his own
| counsel, but now the burden OF MS
heart flooded over at Ike's trust In
him. He told Of what he had learned
concerning Cranmer; told how he had
come into possession of the secret
agents maps and documents. Il had
already sent word to Vincennes TO
search for Cranmer," he said, land 1
meant to take these papers there at
the first opportunity. How, Toinette
guessed that I had them, l cannot I'M
derstand. But, by heaven, Blackford,
I can't explain to her! Don't you. I'M
derstand2 I wanted her love.
thought she had given it to me. But
If she doubts me, then"
His voice faltered again.
"She has worried herself over some
rumor-poor -Toinette, she's strung to
the breaking-point," said Ike gently
81 want you to do something for me-
Ike" replied David, unheeding the ex.
cuse. ST cannot stay In Corydon after
this. I cannot be indebted to Mr.
OBannon any longer. I must CO."
"You know best, Davy. It's not my
business. But where"
: "Vincennes, suppose. I may as
well stay on there, after I have de
liyered this evidence to General Glib
son. It doesn't make any difference
+ But want you to see Mr.. OBannor
[ and turn my accounts over to him
i Will you do this for me, IkeT
"Willingly, Davy. But, oh, I'll hat'
:. to give you up"
you're the best friend I ever had
! So shall have to lose you, as l hav'
Host everyone 1 ever loved" Davit
smiled bitterly.
"Davy, don't go! You'll win yet
She can't hold to this silly mistake
Why, I'll explain things to her! G.
q. back, you sore-headed old bear, and
But David checked him.
81 shall never enter that house. An
I I forbid your speaking to her on thi
u subject. Do not speak Of her again.
= His tone was unyielding, final; an
:, grieving in silent sympathy for hi
X friends shattered hopes, Ike helpe
. him close up the meager affairs OF tn
little store and babe him good BY. :.
l. To Ike remained NO question of Df
yid's honor; but the poison of Elliott
'e words had found an abiding hold /
II the girls heart. Toinette had reache
y her fathers house she knew not how
II She gained the harbor Of her oW
chamber, closed the door, and san
8 upon her bed in paroxysm OF grie
she had saved the frontier from til
e traitor, she thought; but she ha
% broken her own heart.
David's back was toward Corydo
fv and all his hopes. His face was toWar
the north. The trace through the TO
est stretched away toward Vincennt
and he marched along resolutei
There he handed over to the terrt
Lo rial officers the plans that he Mt
~ taken from Cranmer; had from the
., their blunt thanks. and found emplo
a ment in the ancient trading house
on the Spaniard, Vigo.
ng ....~.~~~~~~~~>~~~~~~~~~>>~~~~~
uou snon do YOU think David