ienville, whereof I
was so proud to be the bearer. Whilst ridding my mind of these
matters, I could not have said what course I meditated. A boat grating
against the vessel's side set me all a tremble, but it was only a
letter of instructions. Making some poor excuse to Serigny for the
moment, I entered the yawl as it left the ship to go ashore. A
well-known voice hailed us ere we made the land.

"Ahoy there, the boat," and through the shadows I made out the form of
him I dreaded most to see.

"Boatman, can you put three of us aboard yonder vessel?"

"Aye, sir, it is from her I have just come."

"Is thy craft a fit one to carry ladies?"

This dashed down the hope he had left his wife behind.

"Aye, sir, it is a safe craft, but not a fine ladies' barge. We can go
with care and run into no danger. The wind is low."

"'Twill serve."

I jumped ashore and would have slipped by without speaking had he not
recognized me.

"By my soul, de Mouret, it is you; and we are to be companions on the
voyage. Bravo."

He approached me frankly, with outstretched hand and hearty greeting.
I would fain have avoided touching his honest palm, but there was no
way for it.

"I see you are surprised. Yes? I was suddenly ordered to sail in le
Dauphin, and report to your good Governor, Bienville. A most sturdy
soldier from all report. Heaven send us a sharp campaign, I am weary
of these puny quarrels. We will have brave days in the colonies."

This open-hearted way about him struck a new terror to my heart; I
could face his sword but not his confidence. His cheeks glowed with
martial enthusiasm and I almost caught again the hot lust of battle.

"And Agnes, with her little sister, is at the inn. Yes," he continued,
noting me step back a pace in protest, "it is a rude life enough for
tender women, but they come of stock that fears no danger, and it's
better there than at the Court of Louis."

I hardly heard the man. To meet his wife day after day, to associate
on terms of cordial intimacy with this honorable gentleman, to enjoy
his confidence, my heart filled the while with guilt too strong to
conquer--the thing was torture not to be endured.

"Come with me to the inn; let us get the ladies and their luggage
aboard. Agnes will be glad to meet you; she says she has great
curiosity to see what you are like."

I excused myself most lamely upon the plea of some duty to be performed.

"Ah well, on board then; she wil