The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1917-02-09

Hugo CEcyet's pistol, and know how
to use it. Draw away from the door.
monsieur, and I will thrast out the
bag"
lowered the bar, opening TIE door
barely wide enough to permit the bag
passage. The light from the fire
cleaned en- the barrel Of the pistol held
in my hand. 1t was the work OF an
instant, and l saw nothing Of Cassioa.
but, as the door closed, he laughed
scornfully.
"'Tis your game tonight. madame"
he said spitcfully. but tomorrow l
play my hand. l thank you for the
bag, as 1t contains my commission.
BY virtue Of 1t l shall assume com
mand OF this Fort st. Louis, and !
know how to deal with murdcrerB. I
congratulate you on your lover, ma
dane-good night"
must have slept from sheer exhaus-
ton. although l made 10 attempt to
lie down. 1t was broad daylight when
| awoke, aroused by pounding on the
door. To my inquiry A voice m
nonnced food, and I lowered the bar,
permitting IN orderly to enter, bearing
4 tray, which he deposited on the table
Without speaking, he turned to leave
the room. bnt I suddenly felt courage
10 address him.
"You were rot CT Il party" I said
gravely. Are you a soldier OF II. de
Baugis?"
mo, madame" and he turned fac
ing me his c~ountenancc q pleasant
one. II am no a soldier at ell. but l
serve NJ. de Tonty."
"Ah, I an glad OF that. You will
bear to your master a messagey"
Perhaps, madame" his tone some
what doubtful. You are the wife Of
! Monsieur Casslon?"
"Do not hesitate because OF that" l
FASTENED to say, believing l understood
his meaning. willie 1t is true | am
legally the wife OF Francois Cassion.
my sympathies now are altogether
with the Sieur d'Artigny. l would
have you ask NJ. de Tonty to confer
with ne"
Yes, madame"
you have served with D'ArtIgny?
You know him well?"
Three years, madame; twice he
saved my life on the great river. NJ.
de Tonty shall receive your message"
l could not eat. although I made the
endeavor, and Anally crossed Il the
window, opened the heavy wooden
shutters, and gazed without. What a
marvellous scene that was! Never be-
fore had my eyes looked upon 80 fair
4 view. and I stood silent and fasci-
mated. Ny window opened to the
westward. and l gaxed down from the
very edge OF the vast rock into the
wide valley. Great trcetops were be-
low, and l had to lean far out to see
the silvery waters tapping the base
Of the preciplce, but. . little beyond,
the full width Of the noble strcan
became visible, deckcd with islands,
and winding here and there between
grcen-clad banks, until It disappeared
In the far distance.
had neglected to bar the door. and
rs I stood there gazing in breathless
fascination. a sudden step on the door
caused me to turn in alarm. Ny eyes
encountered those Of De Tonty, who
stood hat In hand.
"'Tis 4 fair view. madaEae." he said
politely. I'm all my travels l have
seen no nobler domain."
ut hath q peaceful look" an.
swered, still struggling with the men,
DRY. "Can 1t be true the savages hold
the valley!'
"All too true-see. yonder. where the
smoke still shows. dwelt the Kaskaa-
kias. Not 4 lodge is left. and tho bod
les OF their dead sfrew the ground.
Along those meadows three weeks
since there were the happy villages OF
twelve tribes Of peaceful indiana: to-
day those who yet live are fleeing for
their lives"
And this tort. MONSIEUR"
"Safe enough, I think. although no
one OF ri can venture ten yards be-
yond the gate. The Rock protects rs.
madame. yet we are greatly outnum.
bered. and with no ammunition to
waste. Twas the surprise Of the raid
which left III thus helpless. Could we
have been given time to gather our
friendly Indians together, the story
would be different"
"They are not towards, then7'
mot with proper leadership. We
have seen them tight often since We
invaded this land. 'Tis my thought
many Of them are hiding now beyond
those hills, and may nnd soms way to
reach ~. suspected such m effort
last night. when I sent out the rescue
party which brought Won in. All. that
reminds me. madame; you sent for
mers
"Yes. N. % T0nty. I ran speak to
ron frankly1 You are the friend OF
sleur d'Artignyr
'Faith. l hope I am. madame, but
I know not what has got into tho lad
hs will tell me nothing"
II suspected - much, nonGdour. It
was for that roasea I have 0oat for
you. He has MT 6vsn told you the
story of eur journeyY
Az. n heiof N = military eopott-