Adventure Magazine Cover, April 3, 1918 — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

14 ‘Thompson, for that thrust I forgive you, and Ralph Wayne escapes,” he chortled. “Are you not glad, Ralph? As I was say- ing, we need your trade, and so because it is easier to take you here than at Fort Wayne we doso. Also because Mademoiselle Joan would as usual flout me there I take her here where there is no flouting. Understand me? Hola—couriers, voyageurs, métis all-—seize them!”’ INSTANTLY Carlisle’s arms were ‘round Joan Wayne, making show of seizing her before any one else could touch her. And swift as he, Eugene Drum- mond, Missowa and Waseyawin laid rough hands on Wayne and held him fast. Seeing the principals apparently in the grasp of their own men, the rest of the Northwesters pounced in a body upon Wayne’s laden brigade, and before they could drop their canoes and packs their arms were gripped from either side by many hands. “Off to the cellars with the canoemen,”’ ordered Richelieu, and pushing, fighting, cursing, making vain efforts to break from the grip of so many hands, Wayne’s brigade swayed out into the dark. “Now, Ralph Wayne, come and eat sup- per with me, you and Mademoiselle Joan, and see if a full stomach and a bottle of good wine will make you change your mind. If you show sense, you may come back to my Sturgeon Lake post with Joan and me. If you do not show sense, you will go to join your men in the cellars while Joan goes back alone with me.”’ The moment he heard the words, Father Andrews pushed through the crowd past his friends, elbowing his way to the front. “Richelieu is half drunk,” he whispered to them as he went. ‘They are all half drunk —all but Thompson. Mark my speech and follow my move!” “Mon Dieul’’ exclaimed Richelieu, star- ing at Andrews in surprise. ‘Who is this? But wait. I remember now. You are the Jesuit missionary who asked a night’s shel- ter at the post.” He gave Andrews a friendly hand. “Donald McKay spoke of you this afternoon, but I did not catch the name.’ “Ancrews!” “Par Dieu, yes! I know more of that name than you think perhaps. How dis- courteous of me not to have inquired better. A famous name, Father, and a herald of Adventure deeds. Ihave heard of you for years. You go among the men of the rival Hudson’s Bay, too, eh?” “Chiefly to bury them,” answered An- drews gravely. “Ho! Ho! You are a, wit, Father. I had heard that. You must join us in the meal. You must sit at my table with Mademoiselle and her father. Comment? Was there anything else you wanted?” ‘‘T just wanted to ask about the maiden,”’ parleyed the priest, calmly turning to Joan Wayne. “It occurred to me that she may not be willing to have you carry her off likea buccaneer to your Sturgeon Lake post.” ‘‘Ah! Mademoiselle is; Father, only she does not know that she is.”’ “T only know,” flashed Joan with a hate and passion in her voice that bit like flame, “that as sure as you put out one finger to touch me, you will feel a knifein your heart.” But Richelieu roared in ridicule. “Ciel, listen to that!’ he pooh-poohed. ‘What a death from gentle hands! And, par Dieu, I believe it would be worth it. Would it not, Father Andrews? Name of a name, yes! JI do not care to remember the number of months she has driven me crazy with her coy refusals and her floutings. And is she a mate to hide away or be ashamed of? “Diable, just look at her there—just look! But come, my stomach’s hungering for my unfinished supper, and I can’t wait much longer. Come, Father; come all!’ “But it is not right for casual travelers to take up space at your tables to the exclu- sion of your own men who have worked hard all day,” demurred Andrews to gain time. “Here are packers whom I see to be raven- ous for their meal, and I who have cause to know something of hunger will keep no man waiting while I eat in his place.” “These do not eat with the officers,” Richelieu pointed out, “and they do not all eat at once. Neither is their fare what ours is, although at the same time it is good enough for them.” “For them?” echoed Andrews. ‘‘Are we all not dwellers in the wilderness together? And is one man not as good as another? Richelieu, I have heard of you, even as you have heard of me, and I know you are no niggard. ‘Therefore I ask a favor. It isa special occasion, so let these men eat at once with us and eat of the best you have. When strangers come, men keep an open board.” Gomicdooks (C@