Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-03-01
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talk. Aldrich had not expected that
they would. He understood, however
that the "stand-off" had created a situ-
alton which, as he had told the priest,
was intolerable. Also, as he had in
formed the priest, he was not sure
what he would say to Netal Beauleu.
He understood the prejudice Of the
man to their depths. But there was
the story OF Bessie Macpherson. He
should demand of Beaulieu that the
story be investigated. And he had
decided that IL Vetal Beauleu did not
take n fathers proper attitude after
that in this matter of the protection
of a good daughter, he would know
what to say in behalf of the love OF
Norman Adrich for Evangeline Beau
lieu.
Thus he pondered as he rode on. de-
termined to hunt up Netal Beaulieu
for a talk. man to man.
He drew one comforting inference
+ from the return of Attorney Blais to
Attegat, unaccompanied. The band
of conspirators had broken up. 1t was
plain that they had no heart Tor
further violent measures at that time.
That Blais would serve them as spy
and adviser, that Roi was still deter
mined to prevail-of those facts AID
rich was assured by his apprehensions.
This was not truce; it was sullen de-
Law. He felt that he had all the more
reason for insisting on an interview
with Vetal Beaulieu. He must I'M
press on that obstinate parent that
this was not case of compelling a
girl to obey a fathers promise and
command II; 1t was willful wreckinG of
innocence and happiness. As he re-
fiected on the matter, as he remem'
bered what the fiddler had told him, he
could not believe that Netal Beaulleu
would persist in his determination in
regard to the unspeakable Roi. Netai
Beaulieu, in spite of his grudges, his
temper. his jealous ignorance, was
Evangeline's father! The thought
that he was such. and must have
buient emotions, encouraged Aldrich
as he journeyed and pondered. The
man must listen to him! Sense and
reason and regard for decency must
prevail when a man is a father
At last he came out OF the narrow
lane and was on the broad Canadian
highway.
Here and there, now at a forge, now
Of some wayside toiler. he asked for
news of vetal Beaulieu. He got no
information. II Vetal had gone TO.
ward the south by the broad highway
he had passed in the night or had
passed unobserved. But the men whom
he asked eyed him with curiosity and
gossiped after he had passed on. Was
not this one of the customs men with
out his uniform? What was Vetal
Beaulieu of Monarda doing in the
north country, and why was an Off.
Ger on his trail?
Aldrich explored side-roads. He
asked questions with assiduity; the
apprehension that he was leaving
Beaulieu behind, that the father was
v5etween him and the girl for whose
sake he had taken THE road. disquieted
him. He searched with care. He
wanted to feel sure that Beaulieu was
ahead
But ne got no information until he
arrived at Cyr's tavern.
Aldrich had ridden widely. had
searched OBVIOUSLY, The twilight
shrouded the big hill when he came
at last to Cyr's tavern. That had
been the rendezvous! He looked
eagerly at the wayfarers who were
smoking in the big room. Beaulieu
WAS not there. Roi was not in sight
10 be sure, he had scarcely expected
that Roi and Vetal would hurry bach
to this place; but they had met there
to pIot-they might be there to wal
for further opportunity.
Felix Cyr-Bullhead Cyr-shagg!
and lowering. sat behind the littl
counter under which he kept his stool
of liquors.
Aldrich had given his weary hors
into the hands of the stable boy.
Cyr scowled. recognizing a TO-
xhen Aldrich crossed the room.
TT is late, but may l have supper
sir?"
MAYBE you can go and hunt up
maid and coax her to unlock the cur
board II you have money and gill
tongue" said the landlord brusquelA
The officer leaned over the counte
and put an inquiry in low tone.
cyr beloved a reply which took a
in the room into his confidence.
.No. M'ser vetal Beaulieu OF Nor
xrda Is not at my house this night.
II was insulting disregard Of guest
desire to keep his affairs from tn
ears Of others"
DO you know whether he has gon
toward homer" asked Aldrich, keel
ine his temper down and his voic
low. II know he has been at you
houss within a day or So"
ssYou will tell me what business 20
have with my friend Vetad Beaulie
4 befors ] tell you where he has gone
4>s,ared Cyr. You do not wear th
- with the old hen Of the Unite
n1s1so on 4 this time. but kno'
-~-. vurhv A Won chase my goo