sinister meaning; they were a promise of protection from the
Governor to his lieutenant, and this officer of La Salle's should be
warned that he was suspected and watched. There was more to La Barre's
words than appeared openly; it would be later, when they were alone,
that he would give his real orders to Cassion. Yet I felt small doubt
as to what those orders would be, nor of the failure of the lieutenant
to execute them. The wilderness hid many a secret, and might well
conceal another. In some manner that night I must find De Artigny, and
whisper my warning.

These were my thoughts, crystallizing into purpose, yet I managed to
smile cheerily into the face of the Commissaire and make such reply to
his badinage as gave him pleasure. Faith, the man loved himself so
greatly the trick was easy, the danger being that I yield too much to
his audacity. No doubt he deemed me a simple country maid, overawed by
his gallantries, nor did I seek to undeceive him, even permitting the
fool to press my hand, and whisper his soft nonsense. Yet he ventured
no further, seeing that in my eyes warning him of danger if he grew
insolent. I danced with him twice, pleased to know I had not forgotten
the step, and then, as he felt compelled to show attention to the
Governor's lady, he left me in charge of a tall, thin officer--a Major
Callons, I think--reluctantly, and disappeared in the crowd. Never did
I part with one more willingly, and as the Major spoke scarcely a
dozen words during our long dance together I found opportunity to
think, and decide upon a course of action.

As the music ceased my only plan was to avoid Cassion as long as
possible, and, at my suggestion, the silent major conducted me to a
side room, and then disappeared seeking refreshments. I grasped the
opportunity to slip through the crowd, and find concealment in a quiet
corner. It was impossible for me to conceive that De Artigny would
fail to come. He had pledged his word, and there was that about the
man to give me faith. Ay! he would come, unless there had already been
treachery. My heart beat swiftly at the thought, my eyes eagerly
searching the moving figures in the ballroom. Yet there was nothing I
could do but wait, although fear was already tugging at my heart.

I leaned forward scanning each passing face, my whole attention
concentrated on the discovery of De Artigny. Where he came from I knew
not, but his voice softly speaking at my very ear brought me to m