ers who had accompanied us from Quebec, a rather pleasant-faced
lad, whose injured hand I had dressed at St. Ignace, approached where
I sat, and lifted his hand in salute.

"A moment, Jules," I said swiftly. "You were at the trial?"

"Yes, Madame."

"And the result?"

"The Sieur de Artigny was held guilty, Madame," he said regretfully,
glancing about as though to assure himself alone. "The three officers
agreed on the verdict, although I know some of the witnesses lied."

"You know--who?"

"My own mate for one--Georges Descartes; he swore to seeing De Artigny
follow Chevet from the boats, and that was not true, for we were
together all that day. I would have said so, but the court bade me be
still."

"Ay, they were not seeking such testimony. No matter what you said,
Jules, De Artigny would have been condemned--it was La Barre's
orders."

"Yes, Madame, so I thought."

"Did the Sieur de Artigny speak?"

"A few words, Madame, until M. Cassion ordered him to remain still.
Then M. de Baugis pronounced sentence--it was that he be shot
tomorrow."

"The hour?"

"I heard none mentioned, Madame."

"And a purpose in that also to my mind. This gives them twenty-four
hours in which to consummate murder. They fear De Tonty and his men
may attempt rescue; 'tis to find out the three have gone now to his
quarters. That is all, Jules; you had best not be seen talking here
with me."

I closed the door, and dropped the bar securely into place. I knew the
worst now, and felt sick and faint. Tears would not come to relieve,
yet it seemed as though my brain ceased working, as if I had lost all
physical and mental power. I know not how long I sat there, dazed,
incompetent to even express the vague thoughts which flashed through
my brain. A rapping on the door aroused me. The noise, the insistent
raps awoke me as from sleep.

"Who wishes entrance?"

"I--Cassion; I demand speech with you."

"For what purpose, Monsieur?"

"_Mon Dieu!_ Does a man have to give excuse for desiring to speak with
his own wife? Open the door, or I'll have it broken in. Have you not
yet learned I am master here?"

I drew the bar, no longer with any sense of fear, but impelled by a
desire to hear the man's message. I stepped back, taking refuge behind
the table, as the door opened, and he strode in, glancing first at me,
then suspiciously about the apartment.

"You are alone?"

"Assuredly, Monsieur; did you suspect others to be present?"