The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-02-08

yourself. to remain unknown To us or
Quebec"
81 have lived with my uncle. Hugo
Chevet."
"Ah. yes: l recall the circumstances
nova rough. yet loyal trader. he
was with me M on the Ottawa
and tonightY
"He accompanied me to the city.
your excellency, but I have not seen
him SINCE"
Small need, with Francois at your
beck and CALL" and he patted me
playfully on the cheek. II have al
ready tested his faithfulness. Your
father, mademoiselleT"
Captain Pierre Ia Chesnayne, sir"
"Ah. yes; l knew him well: he fell
on the Richelieu; n fine soldier" He
turned toward Cassiol,, the expression
Of his face changed.
You depart tonight?"
"At daybreak. sir"
"That is well: see to it that no time
is lost on the journey. I have 1t in
my mind that De Baugis may need
you. for, from all | hear Henri de
Tonty is not an easy man to handle"
"De Tonty?"
SAY. the lieutenant Sieur de la Sale
left in charge at st. Louis; an Italian
they tell me, and loyal to his master.
IT'S like he may resist my orders, and
De Baugis hath but n handful with
which to uphold authority. ! am not
sure | approve OF your selecting this
lad D'Artigny as a guide: he may play
you false"
Small chance he'll have for any
trick
"Perchance not. yet the way Is long.
and he knows the wilderness. | advise
you guard him well. l shall send to
you for council in an hour; there are
papers yet unsigned"
He turned away to greet those who
followed us in line, while we moved
forward into the crowd about the
walls. Cassion whispered in my ear,
telling me bits Of gossip about this
and that one who passed rs, seeking
to exhibit his wit, and impress me
Will lis luC dNIuhiiitibNN. Va
have made fit response, for his voice
never ceased, yet | felt no interest in
the stories, and disliked the man more
than ever for his vapid Boosting. The
truth is my thought was principally
concerned with D'Artigny, and wheth-
er he would really gain admission. Still
Of this | had small doubt, for his was
a daring to make light of guards, or
any threat Of enemies, If desire urged
him on. And | had his pledge.
My eyes watched every moving fig
ure, but the man was not present, my
anxiety increasing as | realized his
absence. and specialized as to It's cause.
Could CassiOn have interfered? Could
he have learned of u interview, ana
used his influence secretly to prevent
our meeting again? 1t was not impos-
sible, for the man was seemingly IN
close touch with Quebec, and undoubt-
edly possessed power. My desire to
see D'Artigny was now for his own
sake-to warn him Of danger and
treachery. The few words had caught
passing between La Barre and Cas-
sion had to me q sinister meaning;
they were a promise OF protection
from the governor to his lieutenant,
and this officer Of La Sales should be
warned that he was suspected ana
watched. There was more to La
Barre's words than appeared openly
II would be later. when they were
alone. that he would give his real
orders to Cassion. Yet ! felt small
doubt as to what those orders would
be, nor Of the failure Of the lieutenant
10 execute them. The wilderness hid
many a secret. and might well conceal
another. In some that night
I must find D'Artigny, and whisper my
warning.
These were my thoughts, crystalliz'
ing into purpose, yet | managed 70
smile cheerily into the face OF the com
missaire and make such reply to his
badinage as gave him pleasure.
danced with him twice, pleased to
know 7 had not forgotten the step, and
then, as he felt compelled TO show at
tention to the governors lady, he lief,
me in charge of a tall, thin Officers
Major Gallons, I think reluctantly
and disappeared In the crowd. Nevel
did l part with one more willingly
and as the major spoke scarcely
dozen words during our long dance to
gether l found opportunity to think
and decide upon a course Of action.
AS the music ceased my only plaT
was to avoid Cassion as long as pos
sible, and, at my suggestion, the silent
major conducted me to a side room
and then disappeared. seeking refresh
ments. I grasped the opportunity tt
slip through the crowd, and find con
cealment in a quiet corner.
leaned forward scanning each pass
ing face, my whole attention concen
trated on the discovery Of D'Artigny
Where he came from I knew not, bu'
his voice softly speaking at my very
ear brought me to my feet with Z
little cry Of relief. The Joy Of hndinl
him must have found expression In M