Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1925-11-20


ject.
''They will find nothing, monsieur"
HAS Michel told you exactly what
they are going to look for, Colonel st.
Onge?"
The factor stopped his pacing.
"Why. what is there to seek, monsieur,
except the evidence which has eS-
capped uS?"
Based on familiarity with the
way David's mind works, coupled with
an idea of my own, my guess is that
they will not spend much time follow
ing the shore"
ST Onges black eyebrows lifted in
surprise what do you mean; they
are going into the back countryY'
Precisely"
what for?'
"To find a trail %
"a trail-through the muskeg? But
they couldn't get out that way. A
trail leading where?'
That's what puzzles me, colonel"
"Oh, you are wrong My men never
stole that fur. We shall find some
thing yet to prove they were broken
up in the big rapid"
"And then, father, it may be too
late" added the low voice of Denise
ST. Onge.
The bronZed face Of the old soldier
noticeably redeemed at the remark
but he avoided his daughters eyes.
1t was Greek to Steele-this innuen-
do, and besides, he was hungry for
music. please, mademoiSelle Just
little mOre-if you are not too tired, y"
he begged.
But the gay mood was not to be re-
captured She shook her head. put
aside her bow and violin, and with
chin in hand sat with brOoding eyes on
the bearskin rug at her feet AS the
factor talked of the trade, the glance
of his guest shifted constantly to the
masses of the girls hair, stray ten
drills of which caught and held the
light of the candles; to the hand of
the artist, with its tapering fingers.
which masked her cheek; to the trim
foot, in the house moccasin, and
rounded ankle and within him was
born the determination to hem this
girl in her secret trouble, if the aid
of stranger were possible
Shortly, with few words of apol-
ogy, she bade them good night
With sigh, as she left the room.
the factor went to a cupboard and
produced a bottle and two glasses.
You will honor me. monsieur by
joining me in glass of cognac?
This, and the books, insisted on hav-
ing If | were to be exiled to this val
ley"
Steele poured himself a modest
drink. 1T is not right, colonel. that
you should squander this good stuff
upon me. In a few weeks / shall he
in New York, while your supply is
limited"
1T is not wasted if appreciated"
protested st. Onge. "but | fear YOU
have suspicion of it; you have hard
ly taste there" and he deliberately
filled his own glass and raising it
with the toast, "Your health. mon
sieur, and the devil take the Windigo
and their friends % swallowed the
brandy
1t was not long before the potent
spirits asserted themselves in the
Frenchmans manner which grew an
preciably warmer
Monsieur Steele" he said. "vou
doubtless ask yourself why | re
tired colonel, in the army of France.
should find myself trader of fur for
the Revillon Freres in Canada
should have brought a girl, educated.
refined, to this wilderness?"
1T was, of course, surprise sir
to find a woman of the charm-of the
remarkable musical talent of your
daughter here, in this valley. 1t is
marvelous-her playing. She should
have a career, sir"
Yes, careerp echoed ST. Onge. as
he poured himself another drink, "and
she has lost it, lost it ause she
would not leave me-"
The liquor had aged the once hand
some face of st. Onge. Lines multi
piled about the eyes and mouth as he
slouched in his chair All trace of the
soldier had vanished; in his place sat
man, broken-conquered by life.
"You have not been in Canada long?"
Steele ventured, hoping that the
Frenchman would now talk more
freely
"Four years. l was "a year at AL
bany-at school, you might say, learn
ing the ways Of the trade Then they
sent me here"
"Yol found it hard-this life in the
North-after France?"
The factor Strengthened in his chair.
His dark eyes snapped. His face
stiffened He looked the leader of
men. Hard, monsieur? | have faced
hardship all my life-in Algeria, Sene-
gal, the Sahara. It's not the hardship
here. it's the humiliation. for one who
has led his regiment of cavalry in two