glanced at it, then lifted his
eyes inquiringly to mine.

"'Tis in the governor's own hand. How came this in your possession?"

"I found it in Cassion's private bag last night, under the berth
yonder. Later he came and carried the bag away, never suspecting it
had been opened. His commission was there also. Read it, Monsieur."

He did so slowly, carefully, seeming to weigh every word, his eyes
darkening, and a flush creeping into his swarthy cheeks.

"Madame," he exclaimed at last. "I care not whether the man be your
husband, but this is a damnable conspiracy, hatched months ago in
Quebec."

I bowed my head.

"Beyond doubt, Monsieur."

"And you found nothing more? no documents taken from Hugo Chevet?"

"None, Monsieur; they were either destroyed in accordance with La
Barre's instructions, or else M. Cassion has them on his person."

"But I do not understand the reason for such foul treachery. What
occurred back in New France to cause the murder of Chevet, and this
attempt to convict De Artigny of the crime?"

"Sit here, Monsieur," I said, my voice trembling, "and I will tell you
the whole story. I must tell you, for there is no one else in Fort St.
Louis whom I can trust."

He sat silent, and bareheaded, his eyes never leaving my face as I
spoke. At first I hesitated, my words hard to control, but as I
continued, and felt his sympathy, speech became easier. All
unconsciously his hand reached out and rested on mine, as though in
encouragement, and only twice did he interrupt my narrative with
questions. I told the tale simply, concealing nothing, not even my
growing love for De Artigny. The man listening inspired my utmost
confidence--I sought his respect and faith. As I came to the end his
hand grasp tightened, but, for a moment, he remained motionless and
silent, his eyes grave with thought.

"'Tis a strange, sad case," he said finally, "and the end is hard to
determine. I believe you, Madame, and honor your choice. The case is
strong against De Artigny; even your testimony is not for his defense.
Does M. Cassion know you saw the young man that night?"

"He has dropped a remark, or two, which shows suspicion. Possibly some
one of the men saw me outside the Mission House, and made report."

"Then he will call you as witness. If I know the nature of Cassion his
plan of trial is a mere form, although doubtless he will ask the
presence of Captain de Baugis, and M. de la Durantaye. Neither will
oppose him,