ed for by
discovering you so quickly. My only fear was encountering someone I
knew while seeking you on the floor."

"You entered through this window?"

"Yes; there is a lattice work below."

"And whose office is that within?"

"My guess is that of Colonel Delguard, La Barre's chief of staff, for
there was a letter for him lying on the desk. What difference? You are
glad I came?"

"Yes, Monsieur, but not so much for my own sake, as for yours. I bring
you warning that you adventure with those who would do you evil if the
chance arrive."

"Bah! Monsieur Cassion?"

"'Tis not well for you to despise the man, for he has power and is a
villain at heart in spite of all his pretty ways. 'Tis said he has the
cruelty of a tiger, and in this case La Barre gives him full
authority."

"Hath the Governor grudge against me also?"

"Only that you are follower of La Salle, and loyal, while he is heart
and hand with the other faction. He chided Cassion for accepting you
as guide, and advised close watch lest you show treachery."

"You overheard their talk?"

"Ay! they made no secret of it; but I am convinced La Barre has more
definite instructions to give in private, for he asked the Commissaire
to come to him later for conference. I felt that you should be told,
Monsieur."

De Artigny leaned motionless against the window ledge, and the light
streaming in through the opening of the draperies revealed the gravity
of his expression. For the moment he remained silent, turning the
affair over in his mind.

"I thank you, Mademoiselle," he said finally, and touched my hand,
"for your report gives me one more link to my chain. I have picked up
several in the past few hours, and all seem to lead back to the
manipulations of Cassion. Faith! there is some mystery here, for
surely the man seemed happy enough when first we met at Chevet's
house, and accepted my offer gladly. Have you any theory as to this
change in his front?"

I felt the blood surge to my cheeks, and my eyes fell before the
intensity of his glance.

"If I have, Monsieur, 'tis no need that it be mentioned."

"Your pardon, Mademoiselle, but your words already answer me--'tis
then that I have shown interest in you; the dog is jealous!"

"Monsieur!"

He laughed, and I felt the tightening of his hand on mine.

"Good! and by all the gods, I will give him fair cause. The thought
pleases me, for rather would I be your soldier than my own. See, how
it dovetails i