nce. "'Tis of no
interest to me your silly quarrel with Sieur de Artigny. I am weary
with the boat journey, and would rest until food is served."

"But you heard the young cockerel! What he dared say to me?"

"Surely; and were his words true?"

"True! what mean you? That he would resist my authority?"

"That he held commission from the King, while your only authority was
by word of the Governor? Was it not by Royal Orders that La Salle was
relieved of command?"

Cassion's face exhibited embarrassment, yet he managed to laugh.

"A mere boast the boy made, yet with a grain of truth to bolster it.
La Barre acted with authority, but there has not been time for his
report to be passed upon by Louis. No doubt 'tis now upon the sea."

"And now for this reason to lay his cause before the King, the Sieur
de la Salle, sailed for France."

"Yes, but too late; already confirmation of La Barre's act is en route
to New France. The crowing cockerel yonder will lose his spurs. But
come, 'tis useless to stand here discussing this affair. Let me show
you how well your comfort has been attended to."

I walked beside him among the trees, and across the patch of grass to
where the tent stood against a background of rock. The Indians and
soldiers in separate groups were busied about their fires, and I could
distinguish the chief, with Chevet, still beside the canoes, engaged
in making them secure for the night. The evening shadows were
thickening about us, and the gloom of the woods extended already
across the river to the opposite shore.

De Artigny had disappeared, although I glanced about in search for
him, as Cassion drew aside the tent flap, and peered within. He
appeared pleased at the way in which his orders had been executed.

"'Tis very neat, indeed, Monsieur," I said pleasantly, glancing
inside. "I owe you my thanks."

"'Twas brought for my own use," he confessed, encouraged by my
graciousness, "for as you know, I had no previous warning that you
were to be of our party. Please step within."

I did so, yet turned instantly to prevent his following me. Already I
had determined on my course of action, and now the time had come for
me to speak him clearly; yet now that I had definite purpose in view
it was no part of my game to anger the man.

"Monsieur," I said soberly. "I must beg your mercy. I am but a girl,
and alone. It is true I am your wife by law, but the change has come
so suddenly that I am yet dazed. Surely