e not have been prepared for his part, and sent out by some
parties in France, who are familiar with the whole Montresor
business, and are playing a deep game?"

Cazeneau, at this, sat for a time in deep thought.

"Your suggestion," said he, at length, "is certainly a good one, and
worth consideration. Yet I don't see how it can be so. No--for this
reason: the captain of the schooner was certainly a New Englander,
and e spoke in my hearing, on several occasions, as though this
Motier was, like himself, a native of New England, and as one, too,
whom he had known for years. Once he spoke as though he had known him
from boyhood. I know enough English to understand that. Besides, this
fellow's English is as perfect as his French. No, it cannot be
possible that he has been sent out by any parties in France. He must
have lived in New England nearly all his life, even if he was not
born there; and I cannot agree with you."

"O, I only made the suggestion. It was merely a passing thought."

"Be assured this steward Motier has brought him up with an eye to
using him for the very purpose on which he is now going."

"Do you suppose that Motier is alive?"

"Of course."

"He may be dead."

"And what then?"

"In that case this young fellow is not an agent of anybody, but is
acting for himself."

"Even if that were so, I do not see what difference it would make. He
has been educated for the part which he is now playing."

"Do you think," asked the commandant, after a pause, "that the Count
de Montresor had a son?"

"Certainly not."

"He may have had, and this young fellow may be the one."

"That's what he says," said Cazeneau; "but he can never prove it;
and, besides, it was impossible, for the count would never have left
him as he did."

CHAPTER XX.

EXAMINATIONS.

Cazeneau improved in health and strength every day. A week passed,
during which period he devoted all his attention to himself, keeping
quietly to his room, with the exception of an occasional walk in the
sun, when the weather was warm, and letting Nature do all she could.
The wound had been severe, though not mortal, and hardly what could
be called even dangerous. The worst was already past on the journey
to Louisbourg; and when once he had arrived there, he had but to wait
for his strength to rally from the shock.

While thus waiting, he saw no one outside of the family of the
commandant. Mimi was not interfered with. Claude received no