The Crittenden press., 1920-02-13

had not, he was not likely to seek one
among the habitants.
The story burned into the captains
brain. II was the solvent Of his san
ity, the swapping Of the only bond that
had linked him TO the common life.
For Maries sake he had hidden his
heart this score OF years, and silenced
those lmpetuous voices calling 10 him
10 leave all and 60 ont into the world
and seek the sign which was to be
| found branded upon some strangers
forehead.
lie stood at the cottage door. look
Ing nt his daughter. who had risen
and faced him. Jean Baptlste re-
mained outside.
Il sail for Quebec tonight" said
Dupont. Jean waits two days to
complete his cargo"
She nodded her thoughts were far
| away. But II came across her mind,
with momentary compassion. that she
would never see her father again.
"Perhaps I shall not see thee again."
said Dupont somberly and the words,
echoing her own thoughts, frightened
her. She shrank away, and Dupont
put out his hands and grasped her by
the wrists. "The name" he said
She shook her head she never spoke
when he made this demand.
"The name! have been very pa
tient with thee. Now thy reason for
Withholding 1t is gone. The namew
"What do you meanf" she STAN
mered.
"The name!" he raved; and for the
first time since her childhood he
raised his clenched fist as II to strike
her.
Baptiste, outside, heard him and
saw the gesture He came running
up to the cottage door and caught Du-
pont by the arm The captain hesi-
tated; then. collecting himself. as
new thought came to him, he allowed
Baptlste to lead him back to the
schooner.
The new thought was this: II Marie
would not give him the name. at least
he would prevent a repetition of her
mothers history.
II held him, as n dream holds n
madman, and he grew cunning and
concealed II. and joked with his hands
during the voyage until they wondered
what was the matter with him, and
whether he was forgetting his obses-
sion as he grew old.
Baptiste, having seen Dupont aboard,
went back. Marie was seated In the
doorway again; the incident had
ceased 10 trouble her. Nothing would
trouble her again. Baptis.e saw the
quick start of anticipation as he ap-
proached.
Forgive me II ! annoy thee, Marie"
he said humbly. Thou knowest-"
Yes Jean, l know that you have
prosecuted me more than all st. Bonl-
face" she answered.
Marie" he cried passionately. "if
l could know that thou vast safe here,
should never trouble thee again"
She turned on him angrily. well.
| can take care Of myself" she an.
swered. "If choose to 20 TO Ste.
Marie what Is II TO you? Besides,
there will be no more dancing until
next summer"
"But he is here" persisted Baptlste
stuhbornly.
'"WhoT' she cried In agitation, fear.
Ing that he had discovered her secret.
"He-MonSleur Askew. At first
reared II was Black Pierre; hut he
swore TO me that II was not so. on the
second day after the work on the boom
began" So Baptiste reckoned time.
And he swore 1t was Monsieur Askew
loved thee"
Marie burst into reckless laughter.
u know that thou cnnst never care
for me-" Baptlste persisted. but II
he wrongs thee kill him. Note well
i kill him"
Marie laughed bitterly and more
loudly. II was amusing to spite and
deceive ST. Bonlface, even through
Bnptiste. Yet, when he was gone back
IA l.i A a..