The state herald., 1917-01-12
CHAPTER xx-contInusd.

-lS-
'"rhick MS files out there, monsieur" /"
he answered., "and with a marksman
or two among them. Not ten minutes
since Bowain got ball in his head" !"
"And no orders to clear the devils
out?'
mo. monsleur-only to watch that
they do not form for a rush."
The commandments office was built
against the last stockade-a long hut
no moro 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.
II was not large, and was already well
filed. table Uttered with papers oc-
cupying the central space. De Baugis
and De Ia Durantaye seated beside 1t,
while numerous other figures were
standing pressed against the walls. I
recoguIzed 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 n chair.
De Tonty remained beside me, his
hand resting on my chair back. as he
coolly surveyed the scene. Cassion
pushed past, and occupied q vacant
chair, between the other officers. laying
his sword on the table. My eyes swept
about the circle Of faces seeking DAT
tigny, but he was not present But for
q slight shuffling Of feet, the silence
was oppressive. Cassion's unpleasant
voice broke the stiffness.
IN. de Tonty, there is q chair yon-
der reserved for your use."
II prefer remaining beside Madame
Cassion." he answered calmly. at
would seem she has few friends In this
company"
1--WE are all her friends" broke in
De Baugis, his face flushing, ''but we
arc here to do Justice. and avenge
foul crime. IT'S 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
oocnn -, .~.aUa oP rx,,lIorca ,yhav, Ca.
sion spoke.
IN. de Bausis will question the wit.
ness"
''The court will pardon me-" said
D'Artigny. "The witness to be heard
d madamer'
"Certninly: what means your inter
ruptionY
ITO spare the lady unnecessary en-
barrassment. She is my friend. and.
no doubt, may ind II difficult to testify
against me. merely venture to ask
her to give this court the exact truth"
'Your words are impertinent."
.No, NJ. de Baugis." broke in. un.
derstanding all that was meant "Sieur
d'Artigny has spoken In kindness. and
has my thanks. I an ready now to
bear witness frankly. What Is It you
desire me to tell. monsieur?"
"The story Of your midnight visit
to 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
was obliged to grip the arms Of the
chair to keep myself firm. read SYM
pathy In De Baugis' eyes. and nd.
dressed him alone. Twice he asked me
questions. In SO kindly a manner as to
win instant reply. and once he checked
Cassion when he attempted to inter
rupt. his voice stern with authority.
told the story simply, plainly, with
10 attempt Mt equivocatlon. and when
ceased speaking the room was AZ
silent rs tomb. De Baugis sat mo-
tionless, but Casslon stared at me
across the table, his face dark with
passion.
"Wait," he cried as though thinking
ma about to rise. "Thcre arc qucs.
uons yet"
Monsieur" said De Baugls coldly.
"If there nre questions It N my place
to ask them"
"Ay." nngrily beating his hand on
the board, but II is plain to be seen
the woman has bcwItched you. No.
will not be denied; am comman-
dant here. and with force enough be.
hind me to make my will law. Scowl
n you will. but hero Is In Barrc's com.
mission. md l dare you ignore II. So
answer me, madame-you saw DAT.
tigny bend over the body Of Chevct-
was your uncle then dcadY"
II know not, monsieur; but there
was no movement"
"Why did you make no rcport-wns
n to shield D'Artignyr
/ hcsltatcd. yet the answer had to
be made.
''Thc slcur d'Artigny was my friend.
monsieur. did not believe him guilty.
Jet my evidence would hnvc cast sus.
f,tnfas, anns. hts,. n lofk Ax~A a.