The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1917-01-12

II.
HE believes that you feel interest
in met"
Il have never denied 1t; the fact
which rank!es, however, is his knowi-
edge that l feel X interest whatever
In him. But we waste tune. monsieur.
in fruitless discussion. Our only course
is a discovery of Hugo Chevet's reai
murderer. Know you anything TO war
rant suspicion"
D'Artlsny did not answer at once,
his eyes locking out on the white
crested waters OF the lake.
mo, madame" he said at length
| grayely. THE last time Chayet WAS
| seen alive, SO far as ! now know, was
when he left the boats In company
with Monsieur Cassion to return TO the
| Mission house. Could there be any
| rea son why Cassion should desire tie
death OF Cieyet!'
II know of none. NY uncle felt
bitter ever the conccalnent OF Ely for
tune, and no doubt tic two had ex.
changed words, bat there WAS no open
quarrel. Chevct was rough and head
strong, vet he was not Killed in fight,
for the knife thrust was from behind
"Ay, a towards blow. Chevei
possessed no papers of yaluei'
l shook my head.
IF SO, no mention was ever mate
to nc. But, monsieur. you gre sttA
wat ard .S3JSf fsa aniS In This wind
why do you not build the Gre, ard
dry your clothing?
THE wind does have TN icy feel"
ne admitted, but this is a poor spot.
Up yonder in the wood shadow there
Is more warmth, ard besides it CT
ford5 better outlook for the canoes.
Have you strength now to climb the
bluOf?'
The path did not appear difficult,
and II Ia dreary enough here. l will
try"
did not eve require his aid, and
was at the top nearly as soon as he.
1t was a pleasant epot, a heavy forest
growing almost to the edge, but with
green carpet Of grass on which one
could rest, and gaze or across the
wide waste Of waters. When I fin
ally turned away l found that Dart
gny had already lighted a fire with
dint and steel In a little hollow within
the forest. He called to me to Join
him.
There IL nothing to see," he said,
land the warmth IL welcome. You
had no glimpse OF the boats?"
NO" l admitted. do you really
believe they s%urviyed?"
There was no reason why they
should not. II properly handled.
have controlled canoes In far worge
storms. They are doubtless safely
ashore beyond the point yonder. Yc5
are not afraid to be left a.one?"
NO" in surprise. Where are yos
soing?"
TO learn more OF our surroundings
and arrange some traps for wild game.
will not be away long, but someone
should remain here to signal any
canoe returning IN search"
l watched him disappear among
the trees without regret or slightest
Of fear at thus being left alone.
The Gre burned brightly and l rested
where the grateful warmth put new
life Into my body. The silence was
profound, depressing, and a sense OF
intense loneliness stole over me.
felt q desire to get away from the
gloom OF the woods, and climbed the
bank to where I could look out once
more across the waters.
The view outspread before me re-
veA!ed nothing new: the same dread
waste Of water extended to the horl-
ION, while down the shore no move
ment was visible. As I rested there,
oppressed by the loneliness, I felt little
hope that the others OF our party had
escaped without disaster.
D'Artigny cid not believe his W
words; l even suspected that he had
gone now alone to explore the shore
line; seeking to discover the truth and
the real fate Of u companions. at
hrst this conception of our situation
startled me-, and yet, strange az It may
seem, my realization brought no deep
regret. l was conscious OF a feeling
OF freedom. Of liberty, such as had nc.
been mine since we departed from
Quebec. l was no longer watched.
spied upon, my every movement or.
dercd, my speech criticized. More.
was delivered from the hated presenos
Of Cassion, ever reminding me that l
was his wife, and continually threaten
Ing to exercise his authority. Az, and
! was with D'Artigny, alone with him.
and tho Joy OF this was 10 deep that
I came to q sudden realization Of the
truth loved him.