of my death, and that De Artigny had also perished.

Once at the fort, companioning with De Baugis, and with no one to deny
the truth of his words, his very nature would compel him to boast of
his marriage to Adele la Chesnayne. No doubt he had told many a vivid
tale of happiness since we left Quebec. Ay, not only had he thus
boasted of conquests over me, but he had openly charged De Artigny
with murder, feeling safe enough in the belief that we were both dead.
And now when we appeared before him alive and together, he had been
for the moment too dazed for expression. Before De Baugis he dare not
confess the truth, yet this very fact would only leave him the more
furious. And I knew instinctively the course the man would pursue. His
one thought, his one purpose, would be revenge--nothing would satisfy
him except the death of De Artigny. Personally I had little to fear; I
knew his cowardice, and that he would never venture to use physical
force with me. Even if he did I could rely upon the gallantry of De
Tonty, and of De Baugis for protection. No, he would try threats,
entreaties, slyness, cajolery, but his real weapon to overcome my
opposition would be De Artigny. And there he possessed power.

I felt in no way deceived as to this. The ugly facts, as Cassion was
able to present them, would without doubt, condemn the younger man. He
had no defense to offer, except his own assertion of innocence. Even
if I told what I knew it would only strengthen the chain of
circumstance, and make his guilt appear clearer.

De Tonty would be his friend, faithful to the end; and I possessed
faith in the justice of De Baugis, yet the facts of the case could not
be ignored--and these, unexplained, tipped with the venom of Cassion's
hatred, were sufficient to condemn the prisoner. And he was helpless
to aid himself; if he was to be saved, I must save him. How? There was
but one possible way--discovery of proof that some other committed the
crime. I faced the situation hopelessly, confessing frankly to myself
that I loved the man accused; that I would willingly sacrifice myself
to save him.

I felt no shame at this acknowledgment, and in my heart there was no
shadow of regret. Yet I sat there stunned, helpless, gazing with heavy
eyes into the fire, unable to determine a course of action, or devise
any method of escape.

Unable longer to remain quiet, I got to my feet, and my eyes surveyed
the room. So immersed in thought I had not befo