d not
look; I know not how they fought; I hid my eyes and prayed. When I
glanced up again both were gone, the fighting mass was surging over
the spot--but the Iroquois were in flight, seeking only some means of
escape, while out through the fort gates the soldiers of the garrison
were coming on a run, pouring volleys of lead into the fleeing
savages. I saw De Tonty, De Baugis, De la Durantaye--ay! and there was
M. Cassion, back among the stragglers, waving his sword gallantly in
the air. It was all over with so quickly I could but sit and stare;
they ran past me in pursuit, wild yells echoing through the woods, but
all I thought of then was M. de Artigny. I scrambled down the rock,
falling heavily in my haste, yet once upon my feet again, rushed
forth, reckless of danger. The ground was strewn with dead and
wounded, the victorious Illini already scattered in merciless,
headlong pursuit. Only a group of soldiers remained at the edge of the
forest. Among these were De Tonty and La Forest. Neither noticed my
approach until I faced them.

"What, Madame," exclaimed De Tonty, "you here also?" he paused as
though in doubt, "and the Sieur de Artigny--had he part in this feat
of arms?"

"A very important part, Monsieur," returned La Forest, staunching a
wound on his forehead, yet bowing gallantly to me. "'Twas indeed his
plan, and I permitted him command as he knows these Illini Indians
better than I."

"But does he live, Monsieur?" I broke in anxiously.

"Live! ay, very much alive--see, he comes yonder now. Faith, he fought
Jules Lescalles knife to knife, and ended the career of that renegade.
Is that not a recommendation, M. de Tonty?"

The other did not answer; he was watching De Artigny approach, his
eyes filled with doubt. I also had scarce thought otherwise, and
stepped forward to greet him, with hands outstretched. He was rags
from head to foot, spattered with blood, an ugly wound showing on one
cheek, yet his lips and eyes smiled.

"'Twas good work, well done," he said cheerily. "'Twill be a while
before the Iroquois besiege this fort again. Is that not your thought,
M. de Tonty?"

"I appreciate the service rendered," replied the other gravely. "But
you are in peril here. M. Cassion is yonder, and still in command."

De Artigny glanced inquiringly at La Forest, and the latter stepped
forward, a leather bound packet in his hands.

"Your pardon, M. de Tonty," he said. "I had forgotten my true mission
here. I b