The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1919-07-17
How would one reacf, the caatearY.

"How would one reach the chateanY'
'In summer" he replied, zone might
ascend the Riviere dor in a canoe for
half the distance, until one reached
the mountains. and then He
shrugged his shoulders at do not
know. Possibly one would inquire of
the first trapper who passed in au-
tumn. In winter one would ny.
you see, 81. Duchaine is a hermit"
he continued. "Once, so my father
used to say, he was one Of the gayest
young men In Quebec. But he became
involved IN the troubles of 1S67-and
there with the little mademoiselle-
what was her manner
''Eh bien. It makes no difference, be-
cause, since she left the convent OF
the Ursulines here in Quebec, where
she was educated, her father keeps her
at the chateau, and you are not likely
TO set eyes on NJ. Charles Duchaine's
daughter"
A sudden stoppage In his flow OF
words, an almost guilty look upon his
face, as a new figure entered the little
shop, directed my attention toward the
stranger.
He was an old man Of medium size,
very muscuIarly built, stout, and with
enormous shoulders. He wore a
priests soutane. but he did not look like
a priest-he looked like a mans head
on a bulls body. His smooth face was
tanned TO the color of an Indians
his bright blue eyes, almost concealed
by their dropping, wrinkled lids, were
piercing in their scrutiny.
'Bo'jour, Pere Antoine" said the
shopkeeper deferentially, fixing his
eyes rather timidIy upon the old
priests face.
"Eh bien, who is this with whom
thou gossipest concerning the daugh-
ter of NJ. Duchaine?" inquired Father
Antoine. looking at me keenIy.
"OnIy q CUSTOMER stranger, mon
sieur," answered the proprietor. rub
bling his hands together.
"You talk too much,'' said Pere An
tome roughly. NOW. monsieur" he
said, addressing me in fair English,
what is the nature of your business
that it can possibly concern either NJ
Duchaine or his daughter? Perhaps l
can inform you, since he is one OF my
parishioners."
my conversation was not with you,
Monsieur lie Cure" answered shortly
and left the shop.
I had not gone three PAGES from the
door, however, when the priest, COM
ing up behind me, placed huge hand
upon my shoulder and swung me
round without the least apparent eff
fort.
81 do not know what your business
is, monsieur" he said, ''but if it were
an honest one you would state it to
me. IF you wish to see NJ Duchaine
am best qualified to assist ysu to do
so, since I visit his chateau twice each
year to carry the consultations of re-
ligion to him and his people. But If
your business is not honest it will fail.
End it, then, and return to your own
country"
81 do not intend to discuss my bust
ness with you. monsieur" answered
angrily.
He let me 90 and stood cycling me
with his keen gaze. 1 jumped on a
passing car, but, looking back, I saw
him striding along behind it. He
seemed to walk as quickly as the car
went through the crowded street, and
with. no effort.
I found Jacqueline in her room, look
ing over her purchases, and took her
down to dinner
And here 1 had another disconcert-
ing experience, for hardly were we
seated when fhR in0I1iSifiva STRANGER
whom J had seen at the ferry came
into the dining room, and after a care
full survey which ended as his eyes fell
on US, he took his seat at an ada
cent table.