Raoul felt quite flattered at being joined with his aunt in the charge
of the fort. It seemed, in some sort, a recognition of his being more
than a boy, and he vowed in his heart that he would show himself worthy
of the confidence reposed in him.

Followed by his wife's prayers, and the anxious thoughts of the
garrison, La Tour set sail for Boston.

He had not been gone long before a startling discovery was made by
Raoul. Although the majority of those connected with the fort were
Huguenots, the remainder were Catholics, and for their benefit La Tour
tolerated the presence of two Jesuit priests named Miraband and Oriani.

Towards these men Raoul held feelings of cordial dislike. They had
done their best to change his faith, using in vain the sly and subtle
methods for which their Order has ever been notorious, but, instead of
winning him over they had only aroused his antagonism.

Now it chanced that Raoul had been out shooting in the afternoon, and
was returning to the fort, when, being weary, he sat down in a snug
nook near the Falls to rest, and, before he knew it, was asleep.

Presently he was awakened by the sound of voices engaged in earnest
talk, and, peeping through the thick foliage which hid him completely,
he saw Miraband and Oriani.

Suspecting that this secret meeting meant some mischief, he felt no
scruples about playing the part of listener.

The first few words confirmed his suspicions, and as they went on, his
heart grew hot with indignation and wrath, for it became clear to him
that these men, who had been so well treated at Fort La Tour, were in
reality Charnace's spies, and had been keeping him informed of all that
took place.

"The villains!" muttered Raoul under his breath. "They deserve to be
hung, even if they are priests. I must let Aunt Constance know at
once."

He did not stir until the two wicked plotters had finished their
conference and gone off, and then he made all haste to the fort.

Madame La Tour was not entirely taken by surprise at his information.
She herself had mistrusted these Jesuits, and had even warned her
husband against them, but he had laughed the matter off, saying she was
mistaken.

Now, she sent for her trusty Joe and Jean, to whom Raoul re-told his
story.

They were mightily enraged at this treachery, and cried out for the
hanging of the spies in the gate of the castle; and had La Tour himself
been present, this would undoubtedly have been done, d