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Show i' 'W.i-msr'ryttHmxiii-mmit m maje :ajeTgiii -f ju-ju1- j-j 'aijdi.ii agiEjLiii...jiwuu vn, tr Eara a6T2jgfaa'3iiiig J Beyond the Frontier PIO gK the Middle West 1 I By RANDALL PARRISH gviifcmraM,4jBSga SYNOPSIS. A.1.-le. la d.'-Mnayne, a telle of New V wirt e. I- aiming i i, n s j i ! atoi at her uri-' uri-' .-'a hole-;.- ''HMun. the eon! ml-salre. torn enh.-.ieil her I'mle ' i i.--.-1 1 n aid u,-.iln.st l.a Halle. 1 Arlivny, Lit Salle's ri it-ri'l, nrt'.-rs hi Herylei-S aM k''iiil.- to I'-s--.lon'y i it y on the ji)inti--y to tie wiiiit-r-' tiev.. 'i'hi. uitr .; lnroruiH A.li-I.- tt .it In-huji In-huji t,-:trulheil her to I .'ii-.tioii an-i forhi l.s Jl'T to M'i- l'-i'tlKny a.,-iihi. In oi--liv A. tile lltH h'T fiu-u.l. Si.-tt'-r t'-hs!'-. who Iu-iiil'h I'ArllKriy to ln-r. .c:ie li-hs tilin In r tslorv ttii'l tie vovn to rele ise her fioni th- ti.ifi.f.ili Willi t'ar-sion. D'Artl'-liy D'Artl'-liy l'il..-H I-ollll;jiri to See fiej- at Hie 't.trtie. t'a.sMion esiorts Allele to tlie hall. Htie tnei tM tiie Kuvninr, l.a Hal re, a:nl tn-.-irH him warn tlie n mi rni.MHaire a"ainM (-Arnt,'ny. I )' A rll n y'a Itekel to lie- hall i.i!i tereit reculiiil. hut lie 'aln.s eiiliaine : '); tie-, witnlow. Allele ll'InrMi.s hlrn of tile ..e, ernor'H woril.H to ('a.sslon. I'or her -:iVeS.lOlpln It the hall Allele if OPlernt Hi' lii Kovi-inor to tnarry CitsMim at onee mill to u.-romjiany liirn to tin- llliiiois f-iiontry. tie so n i mens ' 'hevet anil dire, ts tnat he alteicl them on the journey. Tuey t.-.iee in the tiiats. Aihle'H f u r lie.- ilepeiul-Invr ilepeiul-Invr on tlie tleei.slon of 1 1' A 1 1 1 l'ii'. whom 'lie now knows mie loyi-i. t.':oi-inn anil lArtii;ny h.-i'e Wonts, t'le le t'!.eet for '. tie llrst tine- hears tliat Ins niei e t-i n ti tieir.-ss, ami hevrliia to Mi.sp"i-l ("ar.sion'y Tl-ll 1 VeS. Ui ' 1 A man marries a girl against Vi her will. She determines to be :; j his wife only in name, and, iij though associated with him ;f y constantly in a company of -; A rough men in the wilderness, :j 'j plans to keep her maidenhood v. A until death parts them. Com- " $ missionalre Cassion is equally a 2j determined to enjoy matrimony 3 to the fullest. Their first clash n is described In this installment. '3 M fcfli:; lnliHla l!t.litu.la:m:ii: :mt;'r.,iit ;nj!ir.ll;iHllH 1 Commissionaire Cassion accuses his bride of intimacy with Rene d'Ar-tigny. d'Ar-tigny. This she Indignantly denies, but expresses a fear for the young man's .safety. CHAPTER VII Continued. "You appear greatly concerned over liis safety." "Not at all; so far as I have ever heard the Sieur d'Artlgny has heretofore hereto-fore proven himself quite capable of .sustaining his -own part. 'Tis more 3ike I am concerned for you." "For me? You fool! Why, I was swordsman when that lad was at Ills mother's kuoe." He laughed, but with ugly gleam of teeth. "Sacre! I hate such play acting. But enough of quarrel now; there is sufficient time ahead to bring you to your senses, and a knowledge of "who is your master. mas-ter. Hugo Chevet, come here." My uncle climbed the bank, his rifle 5u band, with face still bloated and red. from the drink of the night before. be-fore. Behind him appeared the slender slen-der black-robed figure of the Jesuit, 'his eyes eager with curiosity. It was sight of the latter which caused Cassion Cas-sion to moderate his tone of com-xnand. com-xnand. "Y'ou will go with Chevet," he said, pointing to the fire among the trees, "until I can talk to you alone." "A prisoner?" 'N"o; a guest," sarcastically, "but do not overstep the courtesy." We left him in conversation with the .pere, and I did not even glauce back. Chevet breathed heavily, and I caught the mutter of his voice. "What mean- elii all tills chatter?" he asked gruffly. "'Must you two quarrel so soon?" "Why not?" I retorted. "The man '-bears me no love; 'tis but gold he thinks about." "Gold!" he stopped and slapped his thighs. " 'Tis precious little of that he will ever see then." "And why uot? Was not my father .a laud owner?" "Ay! till the king tool; it." ff 'i 3 Wc Left Him With the Pere, and I Did Not Even Glance Back. "Then even you do not know the truth. I am glad to learn that, for I bave dreamed that you sold me to ihis coxcomh for a share of the spoils." "What? a share of the spoils! Bah! I am no angel, girl, nor pretend to a virtue more than I possess. There is fruth in the thought that I might bene-!?r. bene-!?r. by your marriage to Monsieur Cassion. Cas-sion. and. by my faith. I see no wrong in that. Have you not cost me heavily in these years? Why should 1 not e-k fur you a husband of worth in these colonies? Wherefore is that a crime? Were you my own daughter I could do no less, and this man is not ill to look upon, a fair-spoken gallant, a friend of La Harre's, chosen by him for special service " "And with Influence lu the fur trade." "All the better that," he continued obstinately. "Why should a girl ob-jei ob-jei t if her husband be rich?" "But he is not rich," I said plainly, looking straight into his eyes. "lie is no more than a penniless adventurer; an actor playing a part assigned him by the governor; while you and I do the same. Listen, Monsieur Chevet, the property at St. Thomas is mine by legal right, and it was to gain possession pos-session that this wretch sought my hand." "Your legal right?" "Ay. restored by the king In special order." "It is not true; I had the records searched by a lawyer, Monsieur Gau-tier Gau-tier of St. Anne." I gave a gesture of indignation. "A country advocate at whom those in authority would laugh. I tell you what I say is true; the land was -restored, and the fact is known to La Barre and to Cassion. It is this fact which lias caused all our troubles. I overheard talk last night between the governor and his aide-de-camp, Colonel Delguard yon .know him?" Chevet nodded, his interest stirred. "They thought themselves alone, and were laughing at the success of their trick. I was hidden behind the heavy curtains at the window, and every word they spoke reached my ears. Then they sent for Cassion." "But where is the paper?" "I did not learn; they have it hidden, no doubt, awaiting the proper time to produce it. But there is such a document: La Barre explained that clearly, and the reason why he wished Cassion to marry me. They were all three talking when an accideut happened, hap-pened, which led to my discovery." "Ah! and so that was what hurried the wedding, and sent me on this wild wilderness chase. They would bury me in tlie woods sacr! " "Hush now Cassion has left the canoe already, and we can talk of this later. Let us seem to suspect nothing." noth-ing." This was the first meal of many eaten together along the river bank in the course of our long journey, yet the recollection of that scene rises before my memory now with peculiar vividness. Cassion had divided us into grups, and, from where I had found resting place, with a small flat rock for table, I was enabled to see the others scattered to the edge of the bank, and thus learned for the first time the character of those with whom I was destined to companion on the long journey. There were but four of us in that first group, which included in-cluded Pere Allouez, a silent man. fingering his cross, and barely touching touch-ing food. His face under the black cowl was drawn, and creased by strange lines, and his eyes burned with vagueness. If I had ever dreamed of him as one to whom I might turn for counsel, the thought instantly vanished van-ished as our glances met. A soldier and two Indians served us, while their companions, divided into two groups, were gathered at the other extremity of the ridge, the soldiers sol-diers under discipline of their own underofneers, and tlie Indians watched over by Sieur D'Artigny, who rested, however, slightly apart, his gaze on the broad river. Never once while I observed did he turn and glance my way. I counted the men. as I endeavored to eat. scarcely heeding heed-ing the few words exchanged by those about me. The Indians numbered ten, including their chief, whom Cassion called Altuda. Chevet named them as Algonquins from the Ottawa, treacherous treach-erous rascals enough, yet with expert ex-pert knowledge of watercraft. Altudah was a tall savage, wrapped in gaudy blanket, his face rendered sinister and repulsive by a scar the full length of his cheek, yet he spoke 1-re n eh fairly well, and someone said that he had three times made journey to Mackinac, and knew the waterways. water-ways. There were 24 soldiers, including includ-ing a sergeant and corporal, of the regiment of Picardy: active fellows enough, and accustomed to the frontier, fron-tier, although they gave small evidence evi-dence of discipline, and their uniforms were in shocking condition. Tlie sergeant ser-geant was a heavily built, stocky man, but the others were rather undersized, and of little spirit. The same thought must have been in the minds of olh-crs, olh-crs, for the expression on Monsieur Cassion's face was not pleasant as he stared about. "Chevet," he exclaimed disgustedly, "did ever you see a worse selection for wilderness travel than La Barre has given us? Cast your eyes down the line yonder; by my faith! there is not a real man among them." Chevet, who had been growling to himself, with scarce a thought other than the food before him, lifted his eyes and looked. "No worse than all the scum. De Baugis had no better with him, and La Salle led a gang of outcasts. With ri'.;lit leadership you can make them do men's work. 'Tis no kid glove job you have, Monsieur Cassion." The instilling indifference of the old fur trader's tone surprised the coiu-missaire, coiu-missaire, and he exhibited resentment. "You are overly free with your comments, com-ments, Hugo Chevet. When I wish advice I will ask it." "And in the woods I do not always wait to be asked," returned the older man, lighting his pipe, and calmly puffing out the blue smoke. "Though it is likely enough you will be asking for it before you journey many leagues further." "You are under my orders." "So La Barre said, lint the only duty he gave me was to watch over Atlele here. He put no shackle on my tongue. You have chosen your course?" "Yes. up the Ottawa." "I suppose so, although that boy yonder could lead you a shorter passage." pas-sage." "How learned you that?" "By talking with hiiu in Quebec. He even sketched, nie a map of the route he traveled with La Salle. You knew' it not?" "'Twas of no moment, for my orders or-ders bid me go by St. Ignace. Yet it might be well to quesliou him and the chief also." He turned to the i nearest soldier. "Tell (he Algonquin, : Altudah, to come here, and Sieur d'Artiguy." They approached together, two specimens speci-mens of the frontier as different as could be pictured, and stood silent,, fronting Cassion, who looked at them frowning, and in no pleasant humor. The eyes of the younger man sought my face for an instant, and the' swift glance gave harsher note to the coin-missaire's- voice. "We will reload the canoes here for the long voyage," he said brusquely. . "The sergeant will have charge of that, but both of you will be in the leading boat, and will keep well in advance- of the others. Our course is by way of tlie Ottawa. You know that stream, Altudah?" The Indian bowed, his head: gravely and extended one hand beneath the scarlet fold of his blanket "Five time, monsieur." "How far to the west chief?"' "To place call Green Bay." Cassion turned his eyes on D'Artigny, D'Arti-gny, a slight sneer curling his lips. "And you?" he asked- coldly. "But one journey, monsieur, along the Ottawa and the lakes," was the quiet answer, "and that three years ago, yet I scarce think I would go astray. 'Tis not a .course easily forgotten." for-gotten." "And beyond Green Bay?" "I have been to the mouth of the great river." "You!" in surprise. "Were you of that party?" "Yes, monsieur." "And you actually reached the sea the salt water?" "Yes, monsieur." "Saint Anne! I never half believed the tale true, nor do I think overmuch of your word for it. But let that go. Chevet here tells me you know a shorter journey to- the Illinois?" "Not by eanoe, monsieur. I followed fol-lowed Sieur de la Salle by forest trail to the straits, and planned to return that way, but 'tis a foot journey." "What will be your course from Green Bay?" "Along the west shore, monsieur; it is dangerous only by reason of storms." "And the distance?" "From St. Ignace?" "Ay! from St. Ignace! What distance dis-tance lies between there and this Fort St. Louis on the Illinois?" " 'Twill be but a venture, monsieur, but I think 'tis held at a hundred and fifty leagues." "Of wilderness?" "When I passed that way yes; they tell me now the Jesuits have mission station at Green Bay, and there may be fur traders in Indian villages beyond." be-yond." "No chance to procure supplies?" "Only scant rations of corn from the Indians." "Your report is in accordance with my instructions and maps, and no doubt is correct. That will be all. Take two more men in your boat and depart at once. We shali follow immediately." im-mediately." CHAPTER VIII. I Defy Cassion. Our progress was slow against the swift current of the St. Lawrence, and we kept close to the overhanging bank, following the guidance of the leadiug canoe. We were the second in line, and no longer overcrowded, so that I had ample room to rest at ease I upon a pile of blankets, and gaze about me with interest on the chang-! chang-! ing scene. Ahead of us, now sweeping around the point like a wild bird, amid a smother of spray, appeared the advance eanoe. As it disappeared I could distinguish dis-tinguish D'Artigny at the stern, his coat off, his hands grasping a paddle. Above the point once more and in smoother water, I was aware that he turned and looked back, shading his eyes from the sun. I could not but wonder what he thought, what possible possi-ble suspicion had come to liim, re- garding my presence in the company. In some manner I must keep him away from Cassion ay, and from Chevet until opportunity came from me to first communicate with bim. Insensibly my head rested back against the pile of blankets, the glint of sunshine along the surface of the it if tH -im Sj r3 tyg "T(iaiivl Before I Knew It I Slept Soundly. water vanished as my lashes fell, and;, before I knew it, I slept soundly. I awoke with the sun. in the western sky, so- low down as to peep at me through the upper branches of trees lining the bank. Behind us stretched a. space of straight water, and one canoe was close, while the second was barely visible along a curve of the shore. Ahead, however, the, river appeared ap-peared vacant the leading boat having hav-ing vanished around a wooded bend. My eyes met those of Cassion, and the sight of him instantly restored me to a recollection of my plan nothiug eould be gained by open warfare. I permitted my lips to smile, and noted instantly the change of expression in his face. "I have slept well, monsieur," I said pleasantly, "for I was very tired." " 'Tis the best way on a boat voyage," voy-age," assuming his old manner, "but now the day is nearly done." As we skirted the extremity of shore I saw the opening in .the woods, and the gleam of a cheerful fire amid green grass. The advance canoe swung half hidden amid the overhanging roots of a huge pine tree, and the men were busily at work ashore. As we nosed into the bank, our sharp bow was grasped by waiting Indians and drawn safely ashore. I reached my feet stiffened, and scarcely able to move my limbs, but determined to land without aid of Cassion, whose passage forward was blocked by Chevet's huge bulk. As my weight rested on the edge of the canoe, D'Artigny swung down from behind the chief, and extended ex-tended his hand. "A slight spring," he said, "and you land with dry feet; good! now let me lift you so." I had but the instant; I knew that, for I heard Cassion cry out something just behind me. and, surprised as I was by the sudden appearance of D'Artigny, I yet realized the necessity neces-sity for swift speech. "Monsieur," I whispered. "Do not talk, but listen. You would serve me?" "Ay!" "Then ask nothing, and above all do not quarrel with Cassion. I will tell you everything the moment I can see you safely alone. L'ntil then do not seek me. I have your word?" He did not answer, for the commis-saire commis-saire grasped my arm, and thrust himself him-self in between us. his action so swift that the impact of his body thrust D'Artigny back a step. I saw the hand of the younger man close on the knife hilt at his belt, but was quick enough to avert the hot words burning his lips. "A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion." I cried, laughing merrily, even as I released re-leased my arm. "Why so much haste? I was near falling, and it was but courtesy which led the Sieur d'Arti-gny d'Arti-gny to extend me his hand. It does not please me for you to be ever seeking a quarrel." There must have been that in my face which cooled him, for his hand fell, and his thin lips curled into sarcastic sar-castic smile. "If I seemed hasty." lie exclaimed, "it was more because I was blockcvl by that boor of a Chevet yonder, and it angered me to have this young gamecock ever at hand to push in. What think you you were employed for, fellow an esquire of dames? Was there not work enough in the camp yonder, tftat you must be testing your fancy graces every time a boat lands?" There was no mild look in D'Arti-gny's D'Arti-gny's eyes as he fronted him, yet he held his temper, recalling my plea, no doubt, and I hastened to step between and furnish him excuse for silence. "Surely you do wrong to blame the young man, monsieur, as but for his aid 1 wouki have slipped yonder. There is no cause for hard words, nor do 1 thank you for making me a subject sub-ject of quarrel. Is it my tent they erect yonder?" "Ay," there was little graciousness to the tone, fur the man had the nature na-ture of a bully. "'Twas my thought that it be brought for your use; and if Monsieur d'Artiguy will consent to I stanil aside, it will give me pleasure I to escort you thither." j Tlie younger man's eyes glanced j from the other's face Into mine, as though seeking reassurance. His hat was instantly in his hand, and he stepped backward, bowing low. "The wish of the lady is sufficient." he said quietly, and then stood again erect, facing Cassion. "Yet," he added ad-ded slowly. "1 would remind monsieur that while I serve him as a guide, it is as a volunteer, and I am also an officer of France." "Of France? Pah! of the renegade La Salle." "France has no more loyal servant, Monsieur Cassion, in all this western laud nor is he renegade, for he holds the Illinois at the king's command." "Held it yes; under Frontenac, but not now." "We will not quarrel over words, yet not even in Quebec was It claimed that higher authority than La Barre'3 had led to recall. Louis had never interfered, in-terfered, and it Is De Tonty. and not De Baugis who Is in com ma ml at St. Louis by royal order. My rignt ,o respect of rank Is clearer than vour own, monsieur, so I beg you curb your temper." "You threaten me?" "No; we who live in tbe wilderness do not talk, we act. I obey your orders, or-ders, do your will, on this expedition, but as a man, not a slave. In all else we standi equal, and I accept insult from no- living man. 'Tis well that you know this, monsieur." The hat was back upon his head, and he had turned away before Cassion. Cas-sion. found answering speech. "Mon Dieu! I'll show the pup who is the master," he muttered. 'Let him disobey once, and I'll stretch his dainty form as I would an Indian cur." "Monsieur," I said, drawing his attention at-tention .to my presence. " 'Tis of no Interest to me your silly quarrel with Sieur d'Artigny. I am weary with the boat journey, and. would rest until food is served." I walked beside him among the trees, and across the patch of grass to where the tent stood against a background of rock. D'Artigny had disappeared, although I glanced about in search for him, as Cassion drew aside the tent flap, and peered within. He appeared pleased at the way in which his orders had been executed. " 'Tis very neat, indeed, monsieur," I said pleasantly, glancing inside. "I owe you my thanks." " 'Twas brought for my own use," he confessed, encouraged by my graciousness, gra-ciousness, "for, as you know, I had no previous warning that you were to be of our party. Please step within." with-in." I did so, yet turned instantly to prevent pre-vent his following me. Already I had determined on my course of action, and how the time had come for me to speak him clearly; yet now that I had definite purpose in view It was no part of my game to anger the man. "Monsieur," I said soberly "I must beg your mercy. I am but a girl, and alone. It is true I am your wife by law, but the change has come so suddenly sud-denly that I am yet dazed. I appeal to you as a gentleman." He stared into my face, scarcely comprehending all my meaning. "You would bar me without? You forbid me entrance?" "Would you seek to enter againsi my wish?" "But you are my wife; that you will not deny! What will be said, thought if I go elsewhere?" "Monsieur, save for Hugo Chevet none in this company know the story of that marriage, or why I am nere. What I ask brings no stain upon you. 'Tis not that I so dislike you, monsieur, mon-sieur, but I am the daughter of Pierre la Chesuayne. and 'tis not in my blood to yield to force. It will be best to yield me respect and consideration." "You are a sly wench," he said, laughing unpleasantly, "but it may be best that I give you your own way for this once. There is time enough in which to teach you my power. And so you shut the tent to me, fair lady, in spite of your pledge to Holy church. Ah, well! there are storms a plenty between be-tween here and St. Ignace, and you will become lonely enough in tlie wilderness wil-derness to welcome me. One kiss, and I leave you." "No, monsieur." His eyes were ugly. "You refuse that! Mon Dieu! Do you think I play? I will have the kiss or more." , I g'g.g.siS'SlsiS-g-a.sigigig'KlglslMlgiamia I 15 : , g Will the girl wife win this p opening battle with her wits 3 j she has no other defense or ; p must she succumb to the gj strength and brutality of Cas- li ion? I g.g'g;g.g g '-g.gjg.g.g'g.g g.g g g g.g g g.g g'g'.g , (TO EE CONTINUED.) |