ur men; we have a prisoner here to
stretch rope. De Tonty, I command you in the name of France!"

CHAPTER XXXVI

THE CLEARING OF MYSTERY

The point of his sword was at De Artigny's breast, but the younger man
stood motionless, his lips smiling, his eyes on the other's face.

"Perchance, Monsieur," he said quietly, "it might be best for you
first to speak with this friend of mine."

"What friend? _Sacre!_ What is the fellow to me? Who is he? another
one of La Salle's spawn?"

La Forest, still bareheaded, his forehead bleeding, pressed down the
swordblade.

"The company is a good one," he said bluntly enough, "and just now
well worth belonging to. I am Francois de la Forest, Monsieur, one
time commandant at Detroit; at present messenger from the King of
France."

"King's messenger--you! _Mon Dieu!_ you look it. Come, man, what
mummery is this?"

"No mummery, Monsieur. I left France two months since, bearing the
King's own word to M. la Barre. 'Tis with his endorsement I journeyed
hither to restore Henri de Tonty to his rightful command of Fort St.
Louis."

"You lie!" Cassion cried hotly, eyes blazing hatred and anger, "'tis
some hellish trick."

"Monsieur, never before did man say that to me, and live. Were you not
felon, and thief I would strike you where you stand. Ay, I mean the
words--now listen; lift that sword point and I shoot you dead.
Monsieur de Tonty, show the man the papers."

Cassion took them as though in a daze, his hand trembling, his eyes
burning with malignant rage. I doubt if he ever saw clearly the
printed and written words of the document, but he seemed to grasp
vaguely the fact of La Barre's signature.

"A forgery," he gasped. "Ah, De Baugis, see here; these damned curs of
La Salle would play trick on me. Look at the paper."

The dragoon took it, and smoothed it out in his hands. His face was
grave, as his eyes searched the printed lines.

"'Tis the great seal of France," he said soberly, looking about at the
faces surrounding him, "and the signature of the governor. How came it
here?"

"By my hand," returned La Forest proudly. "You know me--Monsieur
Francois la Forest."

"Ay, I know you, ever a follower of La Salle, and friend of Frontenac.
'Twas through his influence you got this. 'Tis little use for us to
quarrel, M. Cassion--the order is genuine."

"_Mon Dieu_, I care not for such an order; it does not supersede my
commission; I outrank this De Tonty."

"Hush,