ard it. You
have heard my statement. I shall not repeat it. Govern yourself
accordingly."

With these words Beverley turned and strode out of the house, quite
beside himself, his whole frame quivering.

Hamilton laughed derisively, then looked at Helm and said:

"Helm, I like you; I don't wish to be unkind to you; but positively you
must quit breaking in upon my affairs with your ready-made advice. I've
given you and Lieutenant Beverley too much latitude, perhaps. If that
young fool don't look sharp he'll get himself into a beastly lot of
trouble. You'd better give him a talk. He's in a way to need it just
now."

"I think so myself," said Helm, glad to get back upon fair footing with
the irascible Governor. "I'll wait until he cools off somewhat, and
then I can manage him. Leave him to me."

"Well, come walk with me to see what has really happened to Farnsworth.
He's probably not much hurt, and deserves what he's got. That girl has
turned his head. I think I understand the whole affair. A little love,
a little wine, some foolishness, and the wench shot him."

Helm genially assented; but they were delayed for some time by an
officer who came in to consult with Hamilton on some pressing Indian
affairs. When they reached Roussillon place they met Beverley coming
out; but he did not look at them. He was scarcely aware of them. A
little way outside the gate, on going in, he had picked up Alice's
locket and broken chain, which he mechanically put into his pocket. It
was all like a dream to him, and yet he had a clear purpose. He was
going away from Vincennes, or at least he would try, and woe be to
Hamilton on his coming back. It was so easy for an excited young mind
to plan great things and to expect success under apparently impossible
conditions. Beverley gave Jean a note for Alice; it was this that took
him to Roussillon place; and no sooner fell the night than he
shouldered a gun furnished him by Madame Godere, and guided by the
woodsman's fine craft, stole away southward, thinking to swim the icy
Wabash some miles below, and then strike across the plains of Illinois
to Kaskaskia.

It was a desperate undertaking; but in those days desperate
undertakings were rather the rule than the exception. Moreover, love
was the leader and Beverley the blind follower. Nothing could daunt him
or turn him back, until he found an army to lead against Hamilton. It
seems but a romantic burst of indignation, as we look back at it,