dame. They are La Barre's men, and hold commission
only at his pleasure. With M. de la Durantaye it is different, for he
was soldier of Frontenac's, yet I have no hope he will dare stand out
against the rest. We must find another way to save the lad, but when I
leave you at the door yonder I am out of it."

"You, Monsieur! what can I hope to accomplish without your aid?"

"Far more than with it, especially if I furnish a good substitute. I
shall be watched now, every step I take. 'Tis like enough De Baugis
will send me challenge, though the danger that Cassion would do so is
slight. It is the latter who will have me watched. No, Madame,
Boisrondet is the lad who must find a way out for the prisoner; they
will never suspicion him, and the boy will enjoy the trick. Tonight,
when the fort becomes quiet, he will find way to explain his plans.
Have your room dark, and the window open."

"There is but one, Monsieur, outward, above the precipice."

"That will be his choice; he can reach you thus unseen. 'Tis quite
possible a guard may be placed at your door."

He left me, and walked straight across the parade to his own
quarters, an erect, manly figure in the sun, his long black hair
falling to his shoulders. I drew a chair beside the door, which I
left partially open, so that I might view the scene without. There
was no firing now, although soldiers were grouped along the
western stockade, keeping guard over the gate. I sat there for
perhaps an hour, my thoughts sad enough, yet unconsciously gaining
courage and hope from the memory of De Tonty's words of confidence.
He was not a man to fail in any deed of daring, and I had already seen
enough of this young Boisrondet, and heard enough of his exploits, to
feel implicit trust in his plans of rescue. Occasionally a soldier of
the garrison, or a _courier du bois_, of La Salle's company, passed,
glancing at me curiously, yet I recognized no familiar face, and
made no attempt to speak, lest the man might prove an enemy. I could
see the door of the guardhouse, and, at last, those in attendance
at the trial emerged, talking gravely, as they scattered in
various directions. The three officers came forth together, proceeding
directly across toward De Tonty's office, evidently with some
purpose in view. No doubt, angered at his words, they sought
satisfaction. I watched until they disappeared within the distant
doorway, De Baugis the first to enter. A moment later one of the
soldi