ely thought at this hour you would appear in
the apparel of a dandy. I have chosen you for serious work,
Monsieur, and the time is near for your departure. Surely my orders
were sufficiently clear?"

"They were, Governor la Barre," and Cassion's lips lost their grin,
"and my delay in changing dress has occurred through the strange
disappearance of Mademoiselle la Chesnayne. I left her with Major
Callons while I danced with my lady, and have since found no trace of
the maid."

"Does not Callons know?"

"Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on
his return. Her wraps are in the dressing room."

"Then 'tis not like she has fled the palace. No doubt she awaits you
in some corner. I will have the servants look, and meanwhile pay heed
to me. This is a mission of more import than love-making with a maid,
Monsieur Cassion, and its success, or failure, will determine your
future. You have my letter of instruction?"

"It has been carefully read."

"And the sealed orders for Chevalier de Baugis?"

"Here, protected in oiled silk."

"See that they reach him, and no one else; they give him an authority
I could not grant before, and should end La Salle's control of that
country. You have met this Henri de Tonty? He was here with his master
three years since, and had audience."

"Ay, but that was before my time. Is he one to resist De Baugis?"

"He impressed me as a man who would obey to the letter, Monsieur; a
dark-faced soldier, with an iron jaw. He had lost one arm in battle,
and was loyal to his chief."

"So I have heard--a stronger man than De Baugis?"

"A more resolute; all depends on what orders La Salle left, and the
number of men the two command."

"In that respect the difference is not great. De Baugis had but a
handful of soldiers to take from Mackinac, although his _voyageurs_
may be depended upon to obey his will. His instructions were not to
employ force."

"And the garrison of St. Louis?"

"'Tis hard to tell, as there are fur hunters there of whom we have no
record. La Salle's report would make his own command eighteen, but
they are well chosen, and he hath lieutenants not so far away as to be
forgotten. La Forest would strike at a word, and De la Durantaye is at
the Chicago portage, and no friend of mine. 'Tis of importance,
therefore, that your voyage be swiftly completed, and my orders placed
in De Baugis' hands. Are all things ready for departure?"

"Ay, the boats only