so long as he furnishes the proof necessary to convict. He
will give his evidence, and call the Indian, and perchance a soldier
or two, who will swear to whatever he wishes. If needed he may bring
you in also to strengthen the case. De Artigny will make no defense,
because he has no witnesses, and because he has a fool notion that he
might compromise you by telling the whole truth."

"Then there is no hope? nothing we can do?"

"No, Madame; not now. I shall not be consulted, nor asked to be
present. I am under strict order from La Salle not to oppose La
Barre's officers, and, even if I were disposed to disobey my chief, I
possess no force with which to act. I have but ten men on whom I could
rely, while they number over forty." He leaned closer, whispering,
"Our policy is to wait, and act after the prisoner has been
condemned."

"How? You mean a rescue?"

"Ay, there lies the only hope. There is one man here who can turn the
trick. He is De Artigny's comrade and friend. Already he has outlined
a plan to me, but I gave no encouragement. Yet, now, that I know the
truth, I shall not oppose. Have you courage, Madame, to give him your
assistance? 'Tis like to be a desperate venture."

I drew a deep breath, but with no sense of fear.

"Yes, Monsieur. Who is the man I am to trust?"

"Francois de Boisrondet, the one who led the rescue party last
night."

"A gallant lad."

"Ay, a gentleman of France, a daring heart. Tonight--"

The door opened, and the figure of a man stood outlined against the
brighter glow without. De Tonty was on his feet fronting the newcomer,
ere I even realized it was Cassion who stood there, glaring at us.
Behind him two soldiers waited in the sunshine.

"What is the meaning of this, M. de Tonty?" he exclaimed, with no
pretense at friendliness. "A rather early morning call, regarding
which I was not even consulted. Have husbands no rights in this
wilderness paradise?"

"Such rights as they uphold," returned the Italian, erect and
motionless. "I am always at your service, M. Cassion. Madame and I
have conversed without permission. If that be crime I answer for it
now, or when you will."

It was in Cassion's heart to strike. I read the desire in his eyes, in
the swift clutch at his sword hilt; but the sarcastic smile on De
Tonty's thin lips robbed him of courage.

"'Tis best you curb your tongue," he snarled, "or I will have you in
the guardhouse with De Artigny. I command now."

"So I