The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-05-10

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.
"Yes, monsieur. Who is the man |
am to trust?"
Francois de Bolsrondet, the one
who led the rescue party last night"
"A gallant lad"
cay. a gentleman OF France, a dar-
ing heart. Tonight"
The door opened. and the figure OF a
man stood outlined against the bright
err glow without, De Tonty was on his
feet fronting the newcomer, ere even
realized It was Cassion who stood
there. glaring at us. Behind him two
soldiers waited In the sunshine.
what is the meaning OF this, NJ.
de Tonty 2" he exclaimed, with no pre-
tense at friendliness. "a rather early
morning call, regarding which | was
not even consulted. Have husbands
no rights In this wilderness paradise 2"
"Such rights as they uphold" re-
turned the italian, erect and notion
less. ~ am always at your service,
NJ. Cassion. Madame and | nave con-
versed without permission. If that be
crime, | answer for 1t now. or when
you will"
1t was in Cassion's heart 20 strike.
I read the desire In his eyes, in the
swift clutch at his sword hilt: but the
sarcastic smile on De Tonty's thin lips
robbed him Of courage.
"'Tis best you curb your tongue.
be snarled, ''or l will have you in the
guardhouse with D'Artigny. ] com
mand now
: hear. Doubtless you could con-
Wet me as easily
What do you mean?"
only that your whole case is a It's
sue of lies"
ran! you have her word for il. no
doubt. But you will sing a different
song presently. Ay. and it will be her
testimony which will hang the villain"
What is this you say, monsieur
my testimony"
Just that-the tale OF what you
saw in the Mission garden at st. Ig-
mace. Sacre, that shot hits. does IL.
You thought me asleep, and with no
knowledge or your escapade, but | had
other eyes open that night, my lady.
NOW VIII you confess the TRUTH"
Il shall conceal nothing. monsieur"
Twill be best that you make no at
tempt" he sneered. his old braggart
spirit reasserting itself as De Tonty
kept silent. II have guard here TO
escort you to The commandments office"
You do me honor" I turned to De
Tonty. shall I go, monsieurw
II think it best, madame" he replied
soberly, his dark eyes contemptuously
surveying Cassion. ITO refuse would
only strengthen the case against the
prisoner. NJ. Cassion will not. | am
sure. deny me the privilege Of accom-
panying you. Permit me to offer my
arm"
l did not glance toward Cassion, but
felt no doubt as to the look on his face:
yet he would think twice before laying
hand on this stern soldier who had
offered me protection. The guard at
the door fell aside promptly. and per-
mltted us to pass. Some order was
spoken In a low tone. and they fell be
hind with rifles Mt trail. Once In the
open | became. for the first time.
aware OF irregular rifle firing, and oh
served In surprise men posted upon a
narrow staging along the side of the
log stockade.
"Is the fort being ~attackedT" /
asked.
There has been firing for some
days" he answered. "but no real at
tack. The savages merely hide yon-
amid the rocks and woods, and
strive to keep us from venturing down
the trail. Twice we have made sor-
tie. and driven them away. but It's
a useless waste OF ighting." He called
to a man posted above the gate: "How
is 1t this morning, JulesT"
The soldier glanced about cautious
ly, keeping his head below cover.
"Thick as flies out there. monsieur"
he answered. land with n marksman
or two among them. Not ten minutes
since Bowain got a ball In his head"
"And no orders to clear the devils
mo. monsieur-only to watch that
they do not form for n rush."
The commandments office was built
against the last st~ockade-a long hut
no more pretenticus than the others.
A sentry stood at each side OF the
door. but De Tonty ignored
them and ushered me into the room.
1t was not large. and was already well
filled. a table Uttered with papers oc
the central space, De Baugis
and De Ia Durantaye seated beside II.
while numerous other figures were
standing pressed against the walls. I
the familiar faces Of sew
eral Of our party. but before I recov-
from my dr.t embarrassment De