nd on
my person. See; I carry this," and I drew the pistol from my dress,
and held it in my hand. "Chevet loaned it me, and Cassion knows I
would kill him if he ventured insult. Yet that serves me little, for
my opposition only renders the man more determined. At Quebec I was
but a plaything, but now he holds me worth the winning."

"But why did you marry him, then?"

"I am coming to that, Monsieur. You overheard what was said in La
Barre's office about--about my father's property?"

"Ay! although it was not all clear to me. Captain la Chesnayne had
lost his estates, confiscated by the Crown; yet before his death these
had been restored to him by the King."

"Yes, but the report of the restoration had never been made to his
rightful heirs. The papers had been held back and concealed, while
those in authority planned how to retain possession. Cassion was
chosen as an instrument, and sought my hand in marriage."

De Artigny smothered an oath, his eyes darkening with anger.

"It was to further this scheme that he induced Chevet to announce our
engagement, and drive me to consent. Once my husband the fortune was
securely in his hands--indeed, I need never know its existence; nor
would Chevet suspicion the trick. Yet, as I see it now, La Barre had
no great faith in the man he had chosen, and thought best to test him
first by this journey to St. Louis. If he proved himself, then on his
return, he was to have the reward of official position and wealth. I
was but a pawn in the game, a plaything for their pleasure."

My voice broke, and I could scarcely see through the tears in my eyes,
but I felt his strong hand close over mine, the warm pressure an
unspoken pledge.

"The dogs! and then what happened?"

"You know, already. I was discovered behind the curtain, when you
escaped through the open window. They were not certain I was not alone
there, as I claimed, but compelled me to confess what I had overheard.
La Barre was quick to grasp the danger of discovery, and the only
method by which my lips could be closed. By threat he compelled me to
marry Francois Cassion, and accompany him on this journey into the
wilderness."

"The ceremony was performed by a priest?"

"By Pere le Guard, the Governor's chaplain."

"And Hugo Chevet, your uncle? Did he remain silent? make no protest?"

I gave a gesture of despair.

"He! Never did he even conceive what occurred, until I told him later
on the river. Even now I doubt if h