f them." An equivocal smile
accompanied Philibert's words, which the Governor rightly interpreted.

"Ah! I understand, Philibert; they were carousing at that hour of
daylight? Were they all--? Faugh! I shame to speak the word. Was the
Intendant in a condition to comprehend my summons?" The Governor looked
sad, rather than surprised or angry, for he had expected no less than
Philibert had reported to him.

"I found him less intoxicated, I think, than many of his guests. He
received your message with more politeness than I expected, and promised
to be here punctually at the hour for opening the Council."

"Oh, Bigot never lacks politeness, drunk or sober: that strong intellect
of his seems to defy the power of wine, as his heart is proof against
moral feeling. You did not prolong your stay in Beaumanoir, I fancy?"
remarked the Governor, dinting the point of his cane into the floor.

"I hastened out of it as I would out of hell itself! After making prize
of my friend De Repentigny and bringing him off with me, as I mentioned
to you, I got quickly out of the Chateau."

"You did rightly, Philibert: the Intendant is ruining half the young men
of birth in the Colony."

"He shall not ruin Le Gardeur if I can save him," said Philibert,
resolutely. "May I count upon your Excellency's cooeperation?" added he.

"Assuredly, Philibert! Command me in anything you can devise to rescue
that noble young fellow from the fatal companionship of Bigot. But I
know not how long I shall be permitted to remain in New France: powerful
intrigues are at work for my removal!" added the Governor. "I care not
for the removal, so that it be not accompanied with insult."

"Ah! you have received news to-day by the frigate?" said Philibert,
looking down at the King's ship at anchor in the stream.

"News? Yes; and such news, Philibert!" replied the Governor in at one of
despondency. "It needs the wisdom of Solon to legislate for this land,
and a Hercules to cleanse its Augean stables of official corruption. But
my influence at Court is nil--you know that, Philibert!"

"But while you are Governor your advice ought to prevail with the King,"
replied Philibert.

"My advice prevail! Listen, Philibert: my letters to the King and the
Minister of Marine and Colonies have been answered by whom, think you?"

"Nay, I cannot conceive who, out of the legal channel, would dare to
reply to them."

"No! no man could guess that my official despatches have be