, crumpled, from out the bosom of my dress, rose to my feet,
and held it forth to the Captain of Dragoons. He grasped it
wonderingly.

"What is this, Madame?"

"One page from a letter of instruction. Read it, Monsieur; you will
recognize the handwriting."

CHAPTER XXIX

CONDEMNED

He opened the paper gravely, shadowing the page with one hand so that
Cassion was prevented from seeing the words. He read slowly, a frown
on his face.

"'Tis the writing of Governor La Barre, although unsigned," he said at
last.

"Yes, Monsieur."

"How came the page in your possession?"

"I removed it last night from a leather bag found beneath the sleeping
bunk in the quarters assigned me."

"Do you know whose bag it was?"

"Certainly; it was in the canoe with me all the way from Quebec--M.
Cassion's."

"Your husband?"

"Yes, Monsieur."

De Baugis' eyes seemed to darken as he gazed at me; then his glance
fell upon Cassion, who was leaning forward, his mouth open, his face
ashen gray. He straightened up as he met De Baugis' eyes, and gave
vent to an irritating laugh.

"_Sacre_, 'tis quite melodramatic," he exclaimed harshly. "But of
little value else. I acknowledge the letter, M. de Baugis, but it
bears no relation to this affair. Perchance it was unhappily worded,
so that this woman, eager to save her lover from punishment--"

De Tonty was on his feet, his sword half drawn.

"'Tis a foul lie," he thundered hotly. "I will not stand silent before
such words."

"Messieurs," and De Baugis struck the table. "This is a court, not a
mess room. Be seated, M. de Tonty; no one in my presence will be
permitted to besmirch the honor of Captain la Chesnayne's daughter.
Yet I must agree with Major Cassion that this letter in no way proves
that he resorted to violence, or was even urged to do so. The governor
in all probability suggested other means. I could not be led to
believe he countenanced the commission of crime, and shall ask to read
the remainder of his letter before rendering decision. You found no
other documents, Madame?"

"None bearing on this case."

"The papers supposed to be taken from the dead body of Chevet?"

"No, Monsieur."

"Then I cannot see that the status of the prisoner is changed, or that
we have any reason to charge the crime to another. You are excused,
Madame, while we listen to such other witnesses as may be called."

"You wish me to retire?"

"I would prefer you do so."

I arose t