ly marking down the strength
and fortifications of each. When I had finished my report we sat for
quite a while, he silent and thoughtful, watching the thin blue smoke
eddy round and round then dart up the capacious chimney.

"And they charge me at the court of France," he soliloquized, giving
half unconscious expression to the matter uppermost in his mind, "they
charge me at the court of France, what no man save my king dare say to
me--that I divert the public funds to my own use. I, a Le Moyne, who
spend my own private fortune in protecting and feeding these ungrateful
people. But we waste time in words, like two chattering old women. We
need ships and money and men--men who fight like gentlemen for glory,
not deserters and convicts who fight unwillingly under the lash for
gold.

"What can I do with troops who would as gladly spoil Biloxi as Havana?

"Captain de Mouret, you will sail on le Dauphin to-morrow at daylight.
Place these dispatches in my brother Serigny's hands immediately upon
your arrival. From that time forward act under his instructions.
Remember, sir, your mission is a secret one."

I knew well the name he gave me, for next to Iberville, Serigny was
reputed the most accomplished of all the Le Moyne's. To his fame as a
soldier, his attainments as a scholar, he added the easy grace of the
courtier. His position at the court of Louis gave him great prestige
throughout the colonies; he being a sort of adviser to the King on
colonial affairs, or so we all then thought him. Little did I then
know how scant was the heed paid by power and ambition to real merit
and soldierly virtues.

This while we sat without passing a word. Truth to tell I was loath to
leave the Governor, for I knew even better than he how much of
treachery there was in those about him. Besides that I had no
confidence in my lieutenant, and yet hated to acquaint Bienville with
the fact for fear he might mistrust my motives. I was heavy at heart
and dreaded the future.

When, somewhat after midnight, I arose to go, he came around the table
and taking me by both shoulders gazed steadily into my face. I met his
glance frankly and quailed not.

"Forgive me, Placide, these are such days of distrust I doubt every one
about me. Forgive me, lad, but your old commander's reputation, aye,
his honor even, depends now so much upon your fidelity."

I could say nothing. I felt a stealthy tear tremble in my eye, yet was
not ashamed,