"They are not cowards then?"

"Not with proper leadership. We have seen them fight often since we invaded this land. 'Tis my thought many of them are hiding now beyond those hills, and may find some way to reach us. I suspected such an effort last night, when I sent out the rescue party which brought you in. Ah, that reminds me, Madame; you sent for me?"

"Yes, M. de Tonty. I can speak to you frankly? You are the friend of Sieur de Artigny?"

"Faith, I hope I am, Madame, but I know not what has got into the lad--he will tell me nothing."

"I suspected as much, Monsieur. It was for that reason I have sent for you. He has not even told you the story of our journey?"

"Ay, as brief as a military report--not a fact I could not have guessed. There is a secret here, which I have not discovered. Why is M. Cassion so wild for the lad's blood? and how came there to be trouble between Rene, and the fur trader? Bah! I know the lad is no murderer, but no one will tell me the facts."

"Then I will, Monsieur," I said gravely. "It was because of my belief that Sieur de Artigny would refuse explanation that I sent for you.

The truth need not be concealed; not from you, at least, the commander of Fort St. Louis--"

"Pardon, Madame, but I am not that. La Salle left me in command with less than a dozen men. De Baugis came later, under commission from La Barre, but he also had but a handful of followers. To save quarrel we agreed to divide authority, and so got along fairly well, until M.

Cassion arrived with his party. Then the odds were altogether on the other side, and De Baugis assumed command by sheer force of rifles.

'Twas La Salle's wish that no resistance be made, but, faith, with the Indians scattered, I had no power. This morning things have taken a new phase. An hour ago M. Cassion assumed command of the garrison by virtue of a commission he produced from the Governor La Barre, naming him major of infantry. This gives him rank above Captain de Baugis, and, besides, he bore also a letter authorizing him to take command of all French troops in this valley, if, in his judgment, circumstances rendered it necessary. No doubt he deemed this the proper occasion."

"To assure the conviction, and death of De Artigny?" I asked, as he paused. "That is your meaning, Monsieur?"

"I cannot see it otherwise," he answered slowly, "although I hesitate to make so grave a charge in your presence, Madame. Our situation here is scarcely grave enough to warrant his action, for the fort is in no serious danger from the Iroquois. De Baugis, while no friend of mine, is still a fair minded man, and merciful. He cannot be made a tool for any purpose of revenge. This truth Major Cassion has doubtless learned, and hence assumes command himself to carry out his plans."

I looked into the soldier's dark, clear-cut face, feeling a confidence in him, which impelled me to hold out my hand.

"M. de Tonty," I said, determined now to address him in all frankness.

"It is true that I am legally the wife of this man of whom you speak, but this only enables me to know his motives better. This condemnation of Sieur de Artigny is not his plan alone; it was born in the brain of La Barre, and Cassion merely executes his orders. I have here the written instructions under which he operates."

I held out to him the page from La Barre's letter.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE COURT MARTIAL

De Tonty took the paper from my hand, glanced at it, then lifted his eyes inquiringly to mine.

"'Tis in the governor's own hand. How came this in your possession?"

"I found it in Cassion's private bag last night, under the berth yonder. Later he came and carried the bag away, never suspecting it had been opened. His commission was there also. Read it, Monsieur."

He did so slowly, carefully, seeming to weigh every word, his eyes darkening, and a flush creeping into his swarthy cheeks.

"Madame," he exclaimed at last. "I care not whether the man be your husband, but this is a damnable conspiracy, hatched months ago in Quebec."

I bowed my head.

"Beyond doubt, Monsieur."

"And you found nothing more? no documents taken from Hugo Chevet?"

"None, Monsieur; they were either destroyed in accordance with La Barre's instructions, or else M. Cassion has them on his person."

"But I do not understand the reason for such foul treachery. What occurred back in New France to cause the murder of Chevet, and this attempt to convict De Artigny of the crime?"

"Sit here, Monsieur," I said, my voice trembling, "and I will tell you the whole story. I must tell you, for there is no one else in Fort St.

Louis whom I can trust."

He sat silent, and bareheaded, his eyes never leaving my face as I spoke. At first I hesitated, my words hard to control, but as I continued, and felt his sympathy, speech became easier. All unconsciously his hand reached out and rested on mine, as though in encouragement, and only twice did he interrupt my narrative with questions. I told the tale simply, concealing nothing, not even my growing love for De Artigny. The man listening inspired my utmost confidence--I sought his respect and faith. As I came to the end his hand grasp tightened, but, for a moment, he remained motionless and silent, his eyes grave with thought.

"'Tis a strange, sad case," he said finally, "and the end is hard to determine. I believe you, Madame, and honor your choice. The case is strong against De Artigny; even your testimony is not for his defense.

Does M. Cassion know you saw the young man that night?"

"He has dropped a remark, or two, which shows suspicion. Possibly some one of the men saw me outside the Mission House, and made report."

"Then he will call you as witness. If I know the nature of Cassion his plan of trial is a mere form, although doubtless he will ask the presence of Captain de Baugis, and M. de la Durantaye. Neither will oppose him, so long as he furnishes the proof necessary to convict. He will give his evidence, and call the Indian, and perchance a soldier or two, who will swear to whatever he wishes. If needed he may bring you in also to strengthen the case. De Artigny will make no defense, because he has no witnesses, and because he has a fool notion that he might compromise you by telling the whole truth."

"Then there is no hope? nothing we can do?"

"No, Madame; not now. I shall not be consulted, nor asked to be present. I am under strict order from La Salle not to oppose La Barre's officers, and, even if I were disposed to disobey my chief, I possess no force with which to act. I have but ten men on whom I could rely, while they number over forty." He leaned closer, whispering, "Our policy is to wait, and act after the prisoner has been condemned."

"How? You mean a rescue?"

"Ay, there lies the only hope. There is one man here who can turn the trick. He is De Artigny's comrade and friend. Already he has outlined a plan to me, but I gave no encouragement. Yet, now, that I know the truth, I shall not oppose. Have you courage, Madame, to give him your assistance? 'Tis like to be a desperate venture."

I drew a deep breath, but with no sense of fear.

"Yes, Monsieur. Who is the man I am to trust?"

"Francois de Boisrondet, the one who led the rescue party last night."

"A gallant lad."

"Ay, a gentleman of France, a daring heart. Tonight--"

The door opened, and the figure of a man stood outlined against the brighter glow without. De Tonty was on his feet fronting the newcomer, ere I even realized it was Cassion who stood there, glaring at us.

Behind him two soldiers waited in the sunshine.

"What is the meaning of this, M. de Tonty?" he exclaimed, with no pretense at friendliness. "A rather early morning call, regarding which I was not even consulted. Have husbands no rights in this wilderness paradise?"

"Such rights as they uphold," returned the Italian, erect and motionless. "I am always at your service, M. Cassion. Madame and I have conversed without permission. If that be crime I answer for it now, or when you will."

It was in Cassion's heart to strike. I read the desire in his eyes, in the swift clutch at his sword hilt; but the sarcastic smile on De Tonty's thin lips robbed him of courage.

"'Tis best you curb your tongue," he snarled, "or I will have you in the guardhouse with De Artigny. I command now."