OCR Text |
Show JBeyond the Frontier ! SJr the Middle West , By RANDALL PARRISH CHAPTER XX Continued. 15 "Thick ns flies out there, monsieur," lie answered, "and witli a marksman or two among them. Not ten minutes since Ilowaln got a ball in his head." "And no orders to clear the.devils out?" "o. monsieur only to watch that tney do not form for a rush." The commandant's office was built against the last stockade a long hut rio more pretentions titan the others. A sentry stood at each side of the closed door, hut De Tonty Ignored Ihem and ushered me into the room. It was not large, and was already wel! filled, a table littered with papers occupying oc-cupying tile central space, Pe Baugis and De la Durantaye seated beside it. while numerous other figures were Htaucling pressed against the walls. I rocorrnlzed the familiar faces of several sev-eral of our party, but before I recovered recov-ered from my first embarrassment De liangls arose, and with much politeness polite-ness ofTered me a etiair. Do Tonty remained beside me, his hand resting on my chair back, as he coolly surveyed the scene. Casslon pushed past, and occupied a vacant chair, between the other officers, laying his sword on the table. My eyes swept about the circle of faces seeking D'Ar-tlgny, D'Ar-tlgny, lint he was not present. Hut for a slight 'shuffling of feet, the silence was oppressive. Cassion's unpleasant voice broke the stillness. "M". de Tonty, there is a chair yonder yon-der reserved for your use." "I prefer remaining beside Madame Cassion," he answered calmly. "It would seem she has few friends in this company." "We are all her friends," broke in De Itaugis, his face flushing, "but we are here to do justice, and avenge a foiil crime. Tis told us that madame possesses certain knowledge which has not been revealed. Other witnesses have testified, and we would now listen to her word. Sergeant of the guard, bring In the prisoner." He entered by way of the rear door, manacled, and with an armed soldier on either side. Coatloss and bareheaded, barehead-ed, he stood erect iu the place assigned him, and as his eyes swept the faces, his stern look changed to a smile as his glance met mine. My eyes were still upon him, seeking eagerly for Vome message of guidance, when Cas- m ''..i.''I.Tals' Qtfesuon'uie wit-ness." wit-ness." "The court will pardon mo," said D'Artigny. "The witness to be heard Is madame?" "Certainly; what means your interruption!" inter-ruption!" "To spare the lady unnecessary embarrassment. em-barrassment. She is my friend, and, no doubt, may find it difficult to testify against me. I merely venture to ask her to give this court the exact truth." "Your words are impertinent." "No, M. de Baucis," I broke in, understanding un-derstanding al) that was meant. "Sieur d'Artigny has spoken in kindness, and has my thanks. I am ready now to hear witness frankly. What is it you desire me to tell, monsieur?" "The story of your midnight visit to the Mission garden at St. Ignace, the night Hugo Chevet was killed. Tell It in your own words, madame." As I began my voice trembled, and I was obliged to grip the arms of the chair to keep myself firm. I read sympathy sym-pathy in De Baugis' eyes, aud addressed ad-dressed him alone. Twice he asked me questions, in so kindly a manner as to win Instant reply, ami once he checked Cassion when he attempted to interrupt, inter-rupt, his voice stern with authority. I told the story simply, plainly, with no attempt at equivocation, and when I ceased speaking the room was as silent as a tomb. De Baugis sat motionless, mo-tionless, but Cassion stared at me across the table, his face dark with passion. "Wait," he cried as though thinking Tne about to rise. "There are questions ques-tions yet." "Monsieur," said De Baugis coldly, "if there are questions it is my place to ask them." "Ay," angrily beating his hand on the board, "but it is plain to be seen the woman has bewitched you. No. I will not be denied; I am commandant comman-dant here, and with force enough he-hind he-hind me to make my will law. Scowl if you will, but here is La Barre's commission, com-mission, and I dare you ignore it. So answer me, madame you saw D'Artigny D'Ar-tigny bend over the body of Chevet was your uncle then dead?" "I know not, monsieur; but there was no movement." "Why did you make no report was it to shield D'Artigny?" I hesitated, yet the answer had to be made. r "The Sieur d'Artigny was my friend, monsieur. I did not believe him guilty, yet my evidence would have cast suspicion sus-picion upon him. I felt it best to remain re-main still and wait." "You suspected another?" "Not then, monsieur, but since. Cassion sat silent, not overly pleased with my reply, but De Baugis smiled grimly. "I'.y my faith,' he said, "the tale gathers interest. You have grown to suspect another since, madame dare yuu n.:i.:e the man?" My eyes snuulit the face of De Tonty. Ton-ty. and 'ed gravely. I "It can do no harm, madame," hf muttered softly, "i'ut the paper Ir De Baugis' hand.' I drew it. crumpled, from out the bosom of my dress, rose to my feet, and held it forth to the captain of dragoons. He grasped it wonderiugly. "What is this, madame?" "One page from a letter of instruction. instruc-tion. Bead it, monsieur; you will recognize rec-ognize the handwriting." CHAPTER XXI. Condemned. Tie opened the paper gravely, shadowing shad-owing the page with one hand so that Passion was prevented from seeing the words. lie read slowly, a frown on his face. " 'Tis the writing of Governor La Barre, although unsigned," he said at last. "Yes, monsieur." "flow came the page in your possession?" pos-session?" "I removed it last night from a leather leath-er hag found beneath the sleeping bunk In the quarters assigned me." "Do you know whose bag It was?" "Certainly; it was in the canoe with me nil the way from Quebec M. Cassion's." Cas-sion's." "Your husband?" "Yes. monsieur. De Baugis' eyes seemed to darken as he gazed at me; then his glance fell upon Cassion, who was leaning forward, for-ward, his mouth open, his face ashen gray. He straightened up as he met De Baugis' eyes, and gave vent to an irritating laugh. "Sacre, 'tis quite melodramatic," he exclaimed harshly. "But of little value else. I acknowledge the letter, M. de Baugis, but it bears no relation to this affair. Perchance it was unhappily worded, so that this woman, eager to save her lover from punishment " De Tonty was on his feet, his sword half drawn. " 'Tis a foul lie," he thundered hotly. "I will not stand silent before such words." "Messieurs," and De Baugis struck the table. "This is a court, not a messroom. Be seated, M. de Tonty; no one in my presence will be permitted permit-ted to besmirch the honor of Captain de la Chesnayne's daughter. Y'et I must agree with Major Cassion that this letter in no way proves that he resorted to violence,, or was e;vered to AojoThp-fnoF in all prob-'aoTfif prob-'aoTfif y " sugges ted other means. I could not be led to believe he countenanced the commission of crime, and shall ask to read the remainder of his letter before rendering decision. Y'ou found no other documents, madame?" "None bearing on this case." "The papers supposed to be taken from the dead body of Chevet?" "No, monsieur.' "Then I cannot see that the status of the prisoner is changed, or that we have any reason to charge the crime to another. You are excused, madame, while we listen to such other witnesses as may be called." Tears misted my eyes, so the faces about me were blurred, but, before I could find words in which to voice my indignation, De Tonty stood beside me, and grasped my arm. 'There is no use madame," he said coldly enough, although his voice shook, "lou onlv invite insult when lysi Cassion Stared at Me Across the Table, Ta-ble, His Face Dark With Passion. you deal with such curs. They represent repre-sent their master, aud have made verdict ver-dict already let us go." De Baugis. Cassion, De la Durantaye were upon their feet, but the dragoon first found voice. "Were those words addressed to me, M. de Tonty?" "Ay, and why not! You are no more than La Barre's dog. Listen to me. all three of you. 'Twas Sieur de la Salle's orders that I open the gates of this fort to your entrance, and that I treat your courteously. I have done so. although al-though you took my kindness to be sign of weakness, and hav? lonled it mightily since you came. Hut this is the o'ld; from now it Is war between ' us, messieurs, and we will fight in thi i open. Convict Rene d'Artigny fron the lies of these hirelings, and yoi pay the reckoning at the point of m.i , sword. I make no threat, but this if ' the pledged word of Henri de Tonty Make passage there! Come, madame.' No one stopped us; no voice an swered him. Almost before I reallzec the action, we were outside In the sun light, and he wras smiling into my face his dark eyes full of cheer. "It will make them pause ant think what I said." he exclaimed "yet will not change the result." "They will convict?" "Beyond doubt, madame. They are i La Barre's men, and hold commissior only at his pleasure. With M. de In Durantaye it is different, for he was soldier of Frpntenae's, yet I have nc hope he will dare stand out against the rest. We must find another way tc save the lad, but when I leave you at Uie door yonder I am out of it." "You, monsieur! What can I hope to accomplish without your aid?" "Far more than with it, especially if I furnish a good substitute. I shal be watched now, every step I take 'Tis like enough De Baugis will send me challenge, though the danger thai Cassion would do so is slight. It If the latter who will have me watched. No, madame, Bolsrondet is the lad who must find a way out for the prisoner; pris-oner; they will never suspect him, and the boy will enjoy the trick. Tonight when the fort becomes quiet, he will find way to explain his plans. Have your room dark, and the window open." "There is but one, monsieur, outward, out-ward, above the precipice." "That will be his choice; he can reach you thus unseen. "Tis quite possible a guard may be placed at your door." He left me, and walked straight across the parade to his own quarters, an erect, manly figure in the sun, his long black hair falling to his shoulders. I drew a chair beside the door, which I left partially open, so that I might view the scene without. I could see the door of the guardhouse, and, at last, those in attendance at the trial emerged, talking gravely, as they scattered scat-tered iu various directions. The three officers came forth together, proceed: ing directlva-r.HiSs- tuwardDe Tonfy's -tiltTce, "evidently with some purpose in view. No doubt, angered at his words, they sought satisfaction. I watched until they disappeared within the distant dis-tant doorway, De Baugis the first to enter. A moment later one of the soldiers sol-diers who had accompanied us from Quebec, a rather pleasant-faced lad, whose injured hand I had dressed at St. Ignace, approached wdiere I sat, and lifted his hand in salute. "A moment, Jules," I said swiftly. "You were at the trial?" "Yes, madame." "And the result?" "The Sieur d'Artigny was held guilty, madame," he said regretfully, glancing about as though to assure himself alone. "The three officers agreed on the verdict, although I know some of the witnesses lied." "You know who?" "My own mate, for one George Descartes; he swore to seeing D'Artigny D'Ar-tigny follow Chevet from the boats, and that vv.ts not true, for we were together all that day. I would have said so, but the court bade me be still." "Ay, they were not seeking such testimony. tes-timony. No matter what you said, Jules, D'Artigny would have been condemned con-demned it svas La Barre's orders." "Yes, madame, so I thought." "Did the Sieur d'Artigny speak?" "A few words, madame, until M. Cassion ordered him to remain still. Then M. de Baugis pronounced sen-: sen-: tence it was that he be shot tomorrow." tomor-row." "The hour?" "I heard none mentioned, madame.' "And a purpose iu that also to my mind. This gives them twenty-four hours in which to consummate murder. mur-der. They fear De Tonty aud his men may attempt rescue: 'tis to find out the three have gone now to his quarters. That is all, Jules; you had best not be seen talking here with me.' I closed the door, and dropped the bar securely into place. I knew the worst now, and felt sick and faint. Tears would not come to relieve, yet it seemed as though my braiu ceased working, as if I had lost all physical and mental power. I know not how long I sat there, dazed, incompetent to even express the vague thoughts which flashed through my brain. A rapping on the eloor aroused me. The noise, the insistent raps awoke me as from sleep. "Who wishes entrance?" "I Cassion; I demand speech with you." "For what purpose, monsieur?" "Mon Dieu! Does a man have to give excuse for desiring to speak with his own wife? Open the door, or I'll have it broken iu. Have you not yet learned I am master here?" I drew the bar, no longer with any sense of fear, but impelled by a desire to hear tlfe man's message. I stepped back, taking refuge behind the table, as the door opened, and he strode in, glancing first at me, then suspiciously about ttie apartment, j "You are aione?" "Ass'.:rLMliy. monsieur: rlid you suspect sus-pect others to be present?" ? , "How did I know; you have titni l ' enough to spare for others, although : i have had no word with you since yoi came. I come now only to tell yoi the news." "If it be the condemnation of Sieu ' d'Artigny. you may spare your words.' "You know that! Who brought yoi I the message?" "What difference, monsieur? , would know the result without mes senger. You have done your master'; I will. What said De Tonty when yoi , told him?" Cassion laughed, as though tin memory was pleasant, s "Faith, madame, if you base you i hopes there on rescue you'll scarci t meet with great result. De Tonty 1: ! all bark. Mon Dieu! I went in t( - wL i "I Cassion, 1 Demand Speech Witr You." hold him to account for his Insult, anc the fellow met us with such gracious speech, that the four of us drank to gciliar VJL- Viu comrades. The others are there yet, but I had a propositioi to make you so I left them." "A proposition, monsieur?" "Ay, a declaration of peace, if yot will. Listen, Adele, for this is the last time I speak you thus fairly. Yot are my wife by law of Holy church Never have you loved me, yet I cat pass that by, if you recognize mj authority. This D'Artigny has come between us, and now his life is my hands. I know not that yot love the brat, yet you have that in Jerest in him which would prevent forgiveness of me if I show no mercy So now I come and offer you his life if you consent to be my wife in truth Is that fair?" "It may so sound,' I answered calmly, calm-ly, "yet the sacrifice is all mine. How would you save the man?" "By affording him opportunity tc escape during the night; first accepting his pledge never to see you again." "Think you he would give such s pledge?" Cassion laughed sarcastically. "Hah, what man would not save his life! It is for you to speak the word." "Monsieur," I said firmly, '" "ier-stand "ier-stand your proposition, and refuse it I will make no pledge." "You leave him to die?" "If it be God's will. I cannot dishonor dis-honor myself, even to save life. You have my answer. I bid you go." Never did I see such look of beastly rage in the face of any man. He had lost power of speech, but his fingers clutched as though he had my throat In their grip. Frightened, I stepped back, and Chevet's pistol gleamed In my hand. "You hear me, monsieur go!" He backed out the door, growling and threatening. I caught little of what he said, nor did I in the leasf care. All I asked, or desired, was tc be let alone, to be free of hispres-euce. hispres-euce. I swung the door in his very face, and fastened the bar. Through the thick wood his voice penetrated in words of hatred. Then it ceased, and I was alone In the silence, sinking down nerveless beside the table, my face buried in my hands. I had done right; I knew I had done right, yet the reaction left me weak aud pulseless. I saw now clearly what must be done. Never could I live with this Cassion; never again could I acknowledge him as husband. Righf or wrong, whatever the church mighf do, or the world might say, I had come to the parting of the ways; here and now I must choose my own life, obey the dictates of my own conscience. I had been wedded by fraud to a man I despised; my hatred had grown until now I knew that I would rather be dead than live in his presence. If this state of mind was sin, it was beyond my power to rid myself of the curse; if I was already condemned of holy church because of failure to abide by her decree, then there was naught left but for me to seek my own happiness, happi-ness, and the happiness of the man I loved. I lifted my bend, strengthened by the very thought, the red blood tingling ? i again through my veins. The truth I was minot I felt no inclination to ob-i ob-i scure it. The time had come for rejolc-l rejolc-l ing, and action. I loved Bene d'Artigny. d'Ar-tigny. and, although he had never spo-r spo-r ken the word. I knew he loved me. Tomorrow he would be in exile, a wan-l wan-l derer of the woods, an escaped prisoner, pris-oner, under condemnation of death, I never again safe within reach of - French authority. Ay, but he should s not go alone; in the depths of those 1 forests, beyond the arm of the law, beyond be-yond even the grasp of the church, we ? should go together. In our owu hearts love would justify. Without a qualm r of conscience, without even a lingering ; doubt, I made the choice, the final 3 decision. I know not how long it took me to think this all out, until I had accepted fate; but I do know the decision brought happiness and courage. Food was brought me by a strange Indian, apparently unable to speak French; nor would he even enter the room, silently handing me the platter through the open door. Two sentries stood just without soldiers of De Baugis., I guessed, as their features were unfamiliar. unfa-miliar. They gazed at me curiously, as I stood in the doorway, but without with-out changing their attitudes. Plainly I was held prisoner also; M. Cassion's threat was being put Into execution. This knowledge merely served to strengthen my decision, and I closed and barred the door again, smiling as I did so. It grew dusk while I made almost vain effort to eat, and, at last, pushing push-ing the pewter plate away, I crossed over, and cautiously opened the wooden wood-en shutter of the window. The red light of the sunset still illumined the western sky, and found glorious reflection reflec-tion along the surface of the river. It was a dizzy drop to the bed of the stream below, but Indians were on the opposite bank, beyond rifle shot, in considerable force, a half-dozen canoes ca-noes drawn up on the sandy shore, and several fires burning. They were too t far away for me to judge their tribe, yet a number among them sported war bonnets, and I had no doubt they were Iroquois. i So far os t pr-' ' nereelve elsewhere, there was no movement, as my eyes i traveled the half-circle, over a wide l vista of hill and dale, green valley and dark woods, although to the left I could occasionally hear the sharp re-I re-I port of a rifle, in evidence that besieg-, besieg-, ing savages were still watchful of the i fort entrance. I could not lean out far enough to see in that direction, yet as ! the night grew darker the vicious spits of fire became visible. Above me the solid log walls arose but a few feet I a tall man might stand upon the wln-, wln-, dow ledge, and And grip of the roof; but below was the sheer drop to the - river perchance two hundred feet beneath. be-neath. Already darkness shrouded the water, as the broad valley faded into the gloom of the night. There was naught for me to do but sit and wait. The guard which M. , Cassion had stationed at the door prevented pre-vented my leaving the room, but its ( more probable purpose was to keep , others from communicating with me. ' De Tonty had evidently resorted to diplomacy, and instead of quarreling with the three officers when they approached ap-proached him, had greeted them all so genially as to leave the impression that , he was disposed to permit matters to take their natural course. He might be watched of course, yet was no longer suspected as -likely to help rescue res-cue the prisoner. All their fear now was centered upon me, and my pos- t sible influence. If I could be kept from any further communication with either D'Artigny or De Tonty, it was scarcely probable that any of the garrison-would make 1 serious effort to interfere with their plans. De Tonfy's apparent indiffer- ' enje, and his sudden friendliness with 1 De Baugis and Cassion, did not worry me greatly. I realized his purpose in thus diverting suspicion. His, pledge " of assistance had been given me, and his was the word of a soldier and gen- : tleman. In some manner, and soon before midnight certainly I would re- - ceive message from Boisrondet. Yet my heart failed me more than once as I waited. How long the time . seemed, and how deadly silent was the '. night. Crouched close beside the door, ; I could barely hear the muttered eon-' eon-' versation of the soldiers on guard; and when I crossed to the open win-i win-i dow I looked out upon a black void, ; utterly soundless. Not even the distant crack of a rifle : now broke the solemn stillness, and the only spot of color visible was the : dull red glow of a campflre on the op-: op-: posite bank of the river. I had no way ' of computing time, and the lagging hours seemed centuries long, as terrifying terri-fying doubts assailed me. Every new thought became an agony of suspense. Had the plans failed? Had Boisrondet discovered the prls-' prls-' oner so closely guarded as to make rescue res-cue impossible? Had his nerve, his daring, vanished before the real dan-; dan-; ger of the venture? Had D'Artigny refused to accept the chance? What had happened; what was happening out there in the mystery? (TO BE CONTINUED.) Much progress could be made toward to-ward cluing things in the time that la wasted iu talking about them. |