"'Tis well Madame does not overhear that confession. An heiress, and beautiful! Piff! but she might find others to her liking rather than this Cassion."

"It is small chance she has had to make choice, and as to her being an heiress, where heard you such a rumor, Colonel Delguard?"

The officer straightened up.

"You forget, sir," he said slowly, "that the papers passed through my hands after Captain la Chesnayne's death. It was at your request they failed to reach the hands of Frontenac."

La Barre gazed at him across the desk, his brows contracted into a frown.

"No, I had not forgotten," and the words sounded harsh. "But they came to me properly sealed, and I supposed unopened. I think I have some reason to ask an explanation, Monsieur."

"And one easily made. I saw only the letter, but that revealed enough to permit of my guessing the rest. It is true, is it not, that La Chesnayne left an estate of value?"

"He thought so, but, as you must be aware, it had been alienated by act of treason."

"Ay! but Comte de Frontenac appealed the case to the King, who granted pardon, and restoration."

"So, 'twas rumored, but unsupported by the records. So far as New France knows there was no reply from Versailles."

The Colonel stood erect, and advanced a step, his expression one of sudden curiosity.

"In faith, Governor," he said swiftly, "but your statement awakens wonder. If this be so why does Francois Cassion seek the maid so ardently? Never did I deem that cavalier one to throw himself away without due reward."

La Barre laughed.

"Perchance you do Francois ill judgment, Monsieur le Colonel," he replied amused. "No doubt 'tis love, for, in truth, the witch would send sluggish blood dancing with the glance of her eyes. Still," more soberly, his eyes falling to the desk, "'tis, as you say, scarce in accord with Cassion's nature to thus make sacrifice, and there have been times when I suspected he did some secret purpose. I use the man, yet never trust him."

"Nor I, since he played me foul trick at La Chine. Could he have found the paper of restoration, and kept it concealed, until all was in his hands?"

"I have thought of that, yet it doth not appear possible. Francois was in ill grace with Frontenac, and could never have reached the archives. If the paper came to his hands it was by accident, or through some treachery. Well,'tis small use of our discussing the matter. He hath won my pledge to Mademoiselle la Chesnayne's hand, for I would have him friend, not enemy, just now. They marry on his return."

"He is chosen then for the mission to Fort St. Louis?"

"Ay, there were reasons for his selection. The company departs at dawn. Tell him, Monsieur, that I await him now for final interview."

I watched Delguard salute, and turn away to execute his order. La Barre drew a paper from a drawer of the desk, and bent over it pen in hand. My eyes lifted to the face of De Artigny, standing motionless behind me in the deeper shadow.

"You overheard, Monsieur?" I whispered.

He leaned closer, his lips at my ear, his eyes dark with eagerness.

"Every word, Mademoiselle! Fear not, I shall yet learn the truth from this Cassion. You suspected?"

I shook my head, uncertain.

"My father died in that faith, Monsieur, but Chevet called me a beggar."

"Chevet! no doubt he knows all, and has a dirty hand in the mess. He called you beggar, hey!--hush, the fellow comes."

He was a picture of insolent servility, as he stood there bowing, his gay dress fluttering with ribbons, his face smiling, yet utterly expressionless. La Barre lifted his eyes, and surveyed him coldly.

"You sent for me, sir?"

"Yes, although I scarcely thought at this hour you would appear in the apparel of a dandy. I have chosen you for serious work, Monsieur, and the time is near for your departure. Surely my orders were sufficiently clear?"

"They were, Governor la Barre," and Cassion's lips lost their grin, "and my delay in changing dress has occurred through the strange disappearance of Mademoiselle la Chesnayne. I left her with Major Callons while I danced with my lady, and have since found no trace of the maid."

"Does not Callons know?"

"Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on his return. Her wraps are in the dressing room."

"Then 'tis not like she has fled the palace. No doubt she awaits you in some corner. I will have the servants look, and meanwhile pay heed to me. This is a mission of more import than love-making with a maid, Monsieur Cassion, and its success, or failure, will determine your future. You have my letter of instruction?"

"It has been carefully read."

"And the sealed orders for Chevalier de Baugis?"

"Here, protected in oiled silk."

"See that they reach him, and no one else; they give him an authority I could not grant before, and should end La Salle's control of that country. You have met this Henri de Tonty? He was here with his master three years since, and had audience."

"Ay, but that was before my time. Is he one to resist De Baugis?"

"He impressed me as a man who would obey to the letter, Monsieur; a dark-faced soldier, with an iron jaw. He had lost one arm in battle, and was loyal to his chief."

"So I have heard--a stronger man than De Baugis?"

"A more resolute; all depends on what orders La Salle left, and the number of men the two command."

"In that respect the difference is not great. De Baugis had but a handful of soldiers to take from Mackinac, although his _voyageurs_ may be depended upon to obey his will. His instructions were not to employ force."

"And the garrison of St. Louis?"

"'Tis hard to tell, as there are fur hunters there of whom we have no record. La Salle's report would make his own command eighteen, but they are well chosen, and he hath lieutenants not so far away as to be forgotten. La Forest would strike at a word, and De la Durantaye is at the Chicago portage, and no friend of mine. 'Tis of importance, therefore, that your voyage be swiftly completed, and my orders placed in De Baugis' hands. Are all things ready for departure?"

"Ay, the boats only await my coming."

The Governor leaned his head on his hand, crumbling the paper between his fingers.

"This young fellow--De Artigny," he said thoughtfully, "you have some special reason for keeping him in your company?"

Cassion crossed the room, his face suddenly darkening.

"Ay, now I have," he explained shortly, "although I first engaged his services merely for what I deemed to be their value. He spoke me most fairly."

"But since?"

"I have cause to suspect. Chevet tells me that today he had conference with Mademoiselle at the House of the Ursulines."