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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1937-05-13, Page 2IHURSDAY, MAY 13th, 15)37 THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE FIFTH INSTALIAIEO SYNOPSIS: Ellen Mackay* on tier way from school at Winnipeg, to join her father at Fort Edson, misses the boat by which he was to travel. Hearing that another boat is to start north in the morn ing, Ellen goes to the owner, John Benham, and begs him to give her a passage. To her surprise he .flat ly refuses. Angry and puzzled, Ellen tells Pat MeClatchney, a kindly old storekeeper of her difficulty, and Pat with the help of one of Ben ham’s crew, succeeds in getting Ellen on board as a stowaway. When the vessel is well under way Ellen emerges from hei* hid ing place and faces John Benham, who now cannot help taking her with him. During the voyage Ellen Ibegins to be strongly attracted by John. But when she reaches Fort Edson she finds her father broken, ill and disgraced, and learns that his troubles are due to one man— John Benham. While they were still some yards away, Ellen felt the impact of the newcomer’s gaze. She returned the scrutiny curiously She saw one of the biggest men she had eved looked ■upon. His shoulders were tremen dously broad, his chest arched like a barrel. His flanks were lean, his legs long and slightly bowed as the/ protesting under the weight of his' huge torso. His arms, bared half way to the shoulders, were bulged and (knotted with muscle. His fea tures were heroic, yet lean and clean ly cut, and dark with the combined effect of exposure and heritage. His eyes were deep and black and, to Ellen’s discomfiture, curiously hard ■and inscrutable. There seemed no depth to them. They were all sur face. Unconsciously Ellen recoiled slightly at their cold, almost arro gant survey. Yet the man was smil ing, disclosing two rows of even, white teeth. “This is Bernard Deteroux, lass," panted the factor. “Bernard— my daughter, Ellen."’ Deteroux bowed slightly. “I am honored, mam’selle.” Ellen murmured a reply and led the way into the living room. When they had seated themselves old An gus went on with further explana tion. “Bernard is one of our men, lass. He is our roving source of sup ply. His duties are to keep an even balance in the trade goods at our various posts. Tell me, lass — is there anything we are in need of?” “We have enough of everything, father,” said Ellen slowly. Except perhaps of blankets.” “I will be pleased to oblige, mam- sene,” broke in Deteroux quickly. “A hundred pairs, perhaps, would be enough?” “That would be enough, Mr. De teroux”, nodded Ellen. “Good, you shall have them im mediately.” He stepped to the open door and in a deep resonant voice shouted an order down the slope. Then he turned back. “The blankets will be at your storeroom in five minutes, mam’seile.” A moment later Ellen left the room to assist Gitchie in preparation of the midday meal. She found the old Chippewyan squaw working in the kitchen in a strangely silent mood, and despite Ellen’s curious questioning, Gitcnie would utter no word. And later, when the meal was over with she went out to the storeroom with liei father and De teroux, Ellen saw old Moosac bend a lock upon Detreroux of frank, sav age hostility. This, reasoned Ellen, was very strange, for her father was plainly overjoyed at the presence of. Deteroux, and she knew that both Moosac and Gitchie were very faith ful to her father. For herself, Ellen found it hard to define just, how Deteroux affect ed her. There was an undeniable magnetism about the man. His very size, his rippling strength, and the lithe, easy swiftness of his move ments and the gleam of his white A QUIET, WELL CONDUCTED, CONVENIENT, MODERN IDO ROOM HOTEL—85 WITH BATH WRITE FOR FOLDER TAKE A DE LUXE TAXI FROM DEPOT QR WHARF—-26o teeth were attractive. And he was not unhandsome. Yet his eyes were repelling, and whenever Ellen felt them upon her, which was discon certingly often, she was hard put to to keep from shivering openly. The man was both attractive and re pulsive. When the blankets had been pro perly checked in and receipted for. Deteroux and Angus Mackay left again, but Ellen stayed at the trad ing room, once more immersed in the study 'Of her father’s predica ment, and trying to plan a course of action that might avert the threat ened calamity of the following spring. Here, an hour later, Bernard De- tercux came to her alone, “You will pardon me, mam’selle,*' he began swiftly. “But I have a great affection for your father, and it would be well perhaps, if your and 1 should talk of a certain injustice Which the .future .portends." Ellen knew immediately what De teroux meant. Someway, doubtless' through the channels of gossip, or because Angus Mackay had confided in him, this gigantic riverman knew of the threat which hung over the cld factor. Though she would not acknowledge it, Ellen realised that the task of rehabilitation she had set herself loomed as well nigh im possible. Therefore she seized up on Deteroux’s suggestion with un conscious eagerness. “I have thought of little else, since learning about it,” she said wearily. “I refuse to give up with out a battle, but it seems almost beyond hope to think of averting it." Deteroux’s cold eyes gleamed in open admiration. “You are very cour ageous mam’selle. And Bernard De teroux will be most happy to- help you in any way possible. Now, be cause I have been much through all this country and you have but lately come back to it, it may be that I could give you information .cf many kinds, should you desire it. Ask me what you will. I promise that your confidence will not be abused.” Ellen looked at him seriously for a moment. She sensed breeding be.- hind Deteroux somewhere’. The man did not talk like the usual run of river-men. His brain was plainly alert, his tongue fluent. “Very well,” said Ellen presently. “In a case of this sort it is well to know one’s enemies in their true light. My father feels that Jahn Benham, the free trader, is to blame for all his woes. Is it possible that one man can come into this district end in three years upset the repu tation of an old, established post like Fort Edson?” Deteroux shrugged. “It would , seem so, mam’selle. I know of no ■ether free trader m your territory but John Benham.” “But how can he do it?” persisted Ellen. “He cannot afford to offer more in trade than can the Hudson Bay Company.” “True,” nodded Deteroux. “Yet, perhaps, it is not how much he of fers for his furs, but what he of fers.” Ellen stared at him for a moment. “I do not understand,” she said slowly. “I forget, mam’selle,” went on Deteroux swifly. “I forget that when you left this post four years ago, the old order still existed. But in four years many things may change, as you know. In many ways our In dian is a child. He has ideals that are strange, mam’selle, and which we cannot grasp. Also he has weak nesses upon which the unscrupulous may trade. An Indian values many things, mam’selle, but most of all he values—whisky.” Ellen’s eyes widened. At last she saw. '"Whisky,” she murmured. "John Benham ’trades whisky for furs? But that is against the law. The North West Mounted Police will not permit trading whisky to the Indians.” Deteroux laughed softly. “You forget, mam’selle. You forget that though they are a great organiza tion, the red-coats are, after all, but men. They are few and the North country is measured in mil lions of square miles. They cannot be in all places at once. And if Beham is cunning, as we know 'he is, he can do much that the law cannot prove. And the law must have proof.” Deteroux gave vent to another of his expressive shrugs. "What can we do without the law? And theft also—what can we prove? We know but we cannot prove—yet. Perhaps, later, this weapon may lie ift your hands. And then-—there is another thing.” "What is that?” Deteroux looked at Ellen steadily, "Yott must understand, mam’selie, that I do not like gossip. But ift my desire to help your father—and you —*1 will speak it. John Benham trades well with the Indians, not only because he gives them whisky —-but because he is of their blood. He is one of them.” For some strange, inexpicable reason, Ellen flared almost angrily at this accusation, The reaction was unconscious, yet none the less hon est. “Is this also something you know, but cannot prove?” she asked, and her manner was .-old. Deteroux looked at her with in scrutable eyes. “Does it‘matter?’’ he asked answering question with ques tion. Ellen felt the hot blood rushing through her cheeks. (Shame gripped her. Why had she flared so quick ly in defence >of a man towards whom all things .pointed as being the cause of her father’s misfortune; a man who stooped to that most das tardly of all tricks, bestializing and robbing the Indians through the medium of forbidden, whisky? “I wish merely to be fair,” she stammered. “You are admirable, mam’selle. You would be a gallant enemy in any battle. But this thing I know —and if necessary — can furnish proof." Ellen’s truant impulse died hard. “It is reasonable that he, being of their blood, would deliberately bru talize them and rob them for his own selfish gain?" “Reasonable?” said Deteroux with a short, barking laugh, "Not to us, perhaps. But what is that which is said about the half-breed? He has all the vices and none of the virtues of either side of his heritage. Per haps in John Benham this is also true. The Indian in him schemes to satisfy the greed of his white ances try. If you had known men as I have known them, mam’selle, you would not wonder at anything they do." Ellen was silent for a long time. She knew Deteroux was .watching her closely. Grudgingly she gave in. “You must be right, Mr. Deteroux. There is no other way in which he could have stolen the trade from us in so short a time." “You reason correctly, mam’selle,” said Deteroux, and it seemed as though there was an unconscious note of triumph in his voice. “I hope you will not think me now as just a gabbling old woman, but one who sincerely wishes to help your father and you. Facts, though un pleasant, are best faced squarely and uncompromisingly. And if at any time I can be of further help, to you, you have but to command.” “Thank you. You have already shown me a way out of my dilem ma." “May I presume to ask what that is?" “Of course. It is to furnish proof to the law that John Benham is trading whisky to the tribes. He will then be removed quickly and ifor good." Deteroux seemed to hestitate. ■Something in his eyes, which seem ed momentarily to show emotion for the first time. Then he caught up his guard again. "I hestitate to warn you, mam’selle. But you must always remember that John Benham is fighting for high stakes. In a pinch he might become quite ruthless." "I am not afraid," said Ellen quietly. “I, too, can be ruthless,” “That is true," nodded Deteroux thoughtfully. “Well, duty calls, and the river trails are long. I will see you again, mam’selle—when I re turn.” Ellen suffered him to bow 'Over her hand, though at the contact of bis hard, calloused palm she could hardly repress a shudder. (Strangest of all, perhaps, was the fact that she could not analyse that flurry of feeling. It might have been repug nance, or then again it might have been something else. There was no denying the magnetism and virility of this man. Then another strange thing happened. As Deteroux swung his huge bulk through the doorway, Ellen caught a glimpse of old Moo- sac’s wrinkled face just beyond, and Moosac was openly snarling. At sight of the Indian, Deteroux seemed to hesitate, then, with a swift cold laugh he elbowed the old Chip pewyan aside and swung off on his way. Ellen darted to the door. At sight Of her Moosac slunk away also and when she called to him he did not answer. For a long time Ellen stood there, puzzled furrows wrinkling her brow Distinctly She sensed some ominous undercurrent of stark conflict and hate swirling about her, It was inex plicable, but it was there, 'the more she tried to draw strange ends to gether and make some true picture of it, the more confusing it all was. Finally She sighed aftd drew her thoughts back into- more direct chan nels. Here at least she had a clear, damning trace to follow, The secret of John Benham’s exploration of the Fort Edson territory was ©Iain, Her mode of attack was simple and dir ect. Proof of his trickery to offer to the law. And she must act now, while the trading season was at its height. Immediately a load seemed shifted from her mind. She could think clearly at lust, for action lay ahead. True, there was some strange, crush ing weight in her breast which made her curiously cold and The John Benlmm she ] had seemed so clean she was now possessor which made him that lowest of ail mortals traded upon the weakness of the ig norant and primitive. Aftd he was a half-breed! Feverishly she began her prepar ations. Her father objected strenu ously to what she had in mind, but she -overrode his objections with firm determination. And that evening when the hush of the short night settled down over river and Ellen Mackay was crouched bow of a slender birch-bark her face turned towards the In the centre of the canoe was a great heap of luggage, In the rear was wrinkled, hunched old Moosac wielding a dripping paddle. Lightly the canoe slipped away into the darkness. The dim lights of Fort Edson paled and faded from view. (To be continued) unfeeling, had known and fine, yet ■of knowledge meanest and a man who forest, in the canoe, > north was Hindenburg’s silvery burk. Specta tors sojbbed hysterically ut the abrupt disaster in which the Hindenburg ended her maiden 193?. trip to Amer ica. Eighteen trips had been planned this year. Army trucks and ambulances rushed to succor those who escaped with their lives. The body of a woman, presumably a pas senger was picked UP front the land ing field. Within a few moments after the explosion the billowing flames that mushroomed out immediately, the twisted metal framework of the dir igible sprawled on the ground. More than an hour after the explosion at 6.20 p.m., E.'S.'T, the wreckage was still blazing, with a huge black cloud ot smoke visible in the darkness of the airfield, _ ’ Those on the ship who survived ..........e -------- - —e ground. Were so stunned 'by the unexpected A very few minutes previous the disaster they could not tell what had passengers had lined the sloping c|b-1 happened. "There was a blinding GIANT GERMAN DIRIGIBLE HOES UP IN FRAMES AT LAKEHURST, N.J. DAKEHJUBIST. NJ. — The huge German dirigible Hidenburg, with ninety-nine persons aboard, explod ed with a terrific roar and burst in to flames last Thursday night as she nosed down to- her mooring mast on the sandy landing field of the Unit ed States Naval Air Station. Thirty- three persons lost their lives. Many of them being burned to. death. Most of the others passengers’ suffered burns more or less serious. Spectators Appalled (Spectators shrieked and screamed as the explosion, apparently in the stern of the envelope shattered the ship, and she collapsed, falling in burning wreckage to the servation windows of the dirigible, waving and shouting to those on the ground. Their cries rang out as the ship plunged. The ground crew of sailors, which had been standing by to help land the ship', scattered before the explosion. One sailor later said he saw three bodies removed from the stern of the ship, all burn ed beyond recognition, Even after the first stunning ex plosion sent the ship crashing, ad- diticnal blasts continued to rend the flash,” said one passenger, Herbert O’Laughlon of Chicago, “but the people on the ground would know more about it than we would on the ship." O'Lauglilin related how he escaped by leaping from the when she (plummeted close to ground, From his vantage point on ground an Associated Press photo grapher, Murray Becker, gave his vivid eye-picture. "The ship burst toward the tail end, nea«r the centre. ship the the The tail went down first, and the nose seemed to hang ip. the air, “I ran toward the ship and saw it en veloped in flame, la a traction of a second there was nothing left but the skeleton. "I saw a mqji walking toward me, assisted by two men. He had no clothes on, I saw a woman on a stretcher. There were.screams from men and women on the field." Heat Terrific The heat from the burning bag was terrific, spectators on the .ground related. Rescuers rushed to the wreckage, and those (brought out were speeded away to hospitals, making difficult a check on the number of casualties. A State-wide police alarm was broadcast for am bulances and. doctors, and they re sponded by airplane and automobile from several cities. He Knew His Ocjire ■Grocer—You want a pound of ochre? Is it read ochre for ipainting bricks? Small Boy—No, it’s' tappy ochre what Maw makes puddin’ with. O iOi—o * Her Troubles Waitress—I have stewed kidneys, stuffed heart, boiled tongue, fried liver, frogs’ legs and pig’s feet. Diner—Well, sister, never mind telling me your troubles; Just bring me some chicken pie! 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