The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-03-08

- ~ eOoos wv iSl hS
lift you-so."
had but the instant; l knew that.
FOR heard Cassion cry out something
just behind me, and. surprised as l
was by the sudden appearance Of
DArtIgny, I yet realized the neces-
sity for swift speech.
Monsieur" l whispered. do not
talk, but listen. You would serve
me-"
"Ay."
Then ask nothing. and above all
do not quarrel with Cassion. | will
tell you everything the moment | can
see Won safely alone. Until then do
not seek me. l have your word?"
He did not answer, for the commits
saire grasped my arm. and thrust him
self in between us, his action SO swift
that the impact OF his body thrust
D'Artigny back a step. | saw the
hand OF the younger man close on the
knife hilt at his belt. but was quick
enough to avert the hot words burning
his lips.
- oft rough, Monsieur Cassion." l
Slltil, ltuEullS lltEtllN, even as Il Z
leased my arm. why so much haste?
l was near falling. and II was but
courtesy which led the Sieur d'Arti-
gny to extend me his hand. 1t does
not please me for you to be ever
seeking n quarrel"
There must have been that In my
face which cooled him, for his hand
rAIl n,I Ia. .I,, 1,- ,,-I,J inN~ N
castle smile.
ar | seemed hasty," he exclaimed.
at was more because | was blocked
by that boor Of a Chevet yonder, and
1t angered me to have this young
gamecock ever mt hand to push In.
What think o you were employed
for, fellow-an esquire OF danes! was
there not work enough in the camp
yonder. that you must be testing your
fancy graces every time a boat landsT'
There was no mild look In DART
gny's eyes as he fronted him, yet he
held his temper, recalling my plea. no
doubt, and | fastened to step between
and furnish him excuse for silence.
Surely o 10 wrong to blame the
young man, monsieur, as but for his
aid | would have slipped yonder.
There is no cause for hard words, nor
do ] thank you for making me IA sub
iect of quarrel. Is 1t my tent they
erect yonderT'
cay" there was little graciousness
to the tone, for the a had the ma
ture Of a bully. Twas my thought
that it be brought for your use: and
if Monsieur d'Artigny will consent to
stand aside, it will give me pleasure
to escort o thither."
The younger mans eyes glanced
from the others face into mine, as
though seeking reinsurance. His hat
was instantly in his hand. and he
stepped backward, bowling low.
The wish Of the lady is sufficient"
he said quietly, and then stood again
erect, facing Cassion. Yet" he adj
ded slowly, u would remind monsieur
that while ] serve him as a guide, it
is as "A volunteer, and ] am also an
officer of France
"Of France? Pah! OF the renegade
La Sale"
France has no more loyal servant,
Monsieur Cassion, in all this western
land-nor is he renegade, for he holds
the Illinois at the kings command
Held it-yes; under Frontenac, but
not now
"We will not quarrel over words,
yet not even in Quebec was it claimed
that higher authority than La Barre's
had led 10 recall. Louis had never in
terfered, and it is De Tonty, and not
De Baugis who is in command at st.
Louis by royal order. My right to
respect OF rank is clearer than your
own, monsieur, so | beg you curb your
temper"
"You threaten me-"
"NO; we who live in the wilderness
do not talk. W. act. ! obey your or
ders, do your will, on this expedition,
but as a man, not a slave. In all else
we stand equal, and accept insult
from no living man. IT'S well that
you know this, monsieur"
The hat was back upon his head,
and he had turned away before Cas-
sion found answering speech.
mon Dieu. I'll show the pup who
is the master" he muttered. Let
him disobey once. and I'll stretch his
dainty form as J would an Indian
cur"
Monsieur" I said, drawing his at
tention to my presence. "Tis OF no
interest to me your silly quarrel with
Sieur d'Artigny. | am weary with the
boat journey, and would rest until
food Is served"
/ walked beside him among the
trees, and across the patch Of grass
to where the tent stood against a
background OF rock. D'Artigny had
disappeared, although | glanced about
In search for him, as Casslon drew
aside the tent flap, and peered within.
He appeared pleased at the way in
which his orders had been executed.
"'Tis very neat, indeed, monsieur"
[ said pleasantly. CHANGING inside. Il
owe you my thanks"
Twas brought for my W use"
he confessed, encouraged by my gra-