Tour was just then eagerly expecting the
arrival from La Rochelle of the armed ship _Clement_ with a full cargo
of supplies of all sorts, and a goodly number of soldiers and
colonists. In fact, the vessel was overdue, and if she should come up
the bay without warning, she would assuredly be captured by Charnace's
ships, which would have no difficulty in overpowering her.

"We must stop her before she comes too far," he said, "and yet I hardly
know how it is to be managed. Charnace's spies and scouts are all
around us. Have you any notion how it can be managed, Constance?"
And, as was usually the case when in perplexity, he turned for counsel
to the shrewd woman who was so peculiarly his helpmate.

"Let us send for Joe Takouchen," was her reply. "He may think of a
way."

Accordingly Joe was sent for, and promptly appeared, his usually
impassive countenance betraying curiosity as to the reason for the
summons.

Joe was a splendid specimen of the Souriquois, who worshipped Madame La
Tour as though she were divine. She had been particularly kind both to
himself and his family, and he was ready to risk his life for her on
any occasion. The situation was explained to Joe, while he listened in
silence, but with a comprehending expression. Then, nodding his head
sagely, he said:

"Joe will take the message to the ship. He will go to-night."

"And how will you manage it, Joe?" asked La Tour.

Joe smiled significantly, and explained that his plan was to steal out
of the fort at night, make his way to the headlands south-west, and
thence put off in a canoe, as soon as the supply ship came in sight.
La Tour's face lit up at the proposition.

"It's a big risk, Joe, but if any man alive can carry the thing out it
is you. Whom will you take with you?"

Joe replied that Jean Pitchebat, a stalwart Frenchman, who was his
special friend, would be his choice, and La Tour approved.

Raoul, who had been a silent listener hitherto, now spoke up.

"May I go with Joe too, Uncle Charles?" he asked, in a tone whose
anxiety showed how fully he was in earnest.

La Tour looked at the boy with such manifest surprise that the latter
flushed hotly. Yet, being full of his desire, he turned to Joe and
said entreatingly:

"You will not mind taking me, will you?"

Joe glanced inquiringly at his master and mistress. He was very fond
of Raoul, and had no objection to taking him along, but he felt that
the matter was not one for h