y the promise of an independent provincial government, but Bienville
stands true to his King. So they seek by every means to discredit him.
You may surmise from this how unfortunately our affairs here are
complicated in the affairs of great personages, where lesser men lose
their lives at the first breath of suspicion."

After a little I had ample opportunity to observe the man more closely,
for he kept his seat to examine at leisure the dispatches I had
brought. He was evidently not entirely pleased with this inspection,
giving vent at times to low expressions of annoyance.

"Always the same trouble, la Salle and de la Vente, spies in
Biloxi--Ah, here is the fine hand of Madame du Maine, currying favor
with the Spaniard in aid of her cripple husband. If we could only make
this plain to Louis; this stirring up of strife. Fancy a son of de
Montespan on the throne of France. Yes, yes, yes, here is the awkward
work of our old friend Crozat, the tradesman, who would purchase an
empire of the King. See how clumsily he throws out his golden bait."

I could but listen and observe. Now, more than ever, in the sternness
and decision of his countenance he resembled his famous brothers,
Iberville, Sauvolle and Bienville--and yet beyond them all he possessed
the faculties of a courtier.

"Captain, are you acquainted with the nature of these dispatches?" he
asked directly.

"No, sire, only in general, and from my knowledge of affairs at Biloxi."

"My brother tells me I may trust you." My face flushed hotly with the
blood of anger.

"Oh, my dear Captain, I meant no offense; I speak plainly, and there
are few men about this court whom you can trust. There is an adventure
of grave importance upon which I wish to employ you. Your being
unknown in Paris may assist us greatly."

I signified my attention.

"It is supposed we are on the eve of war with Spain, and it is my
belief the colonies will be the first objects of attack. Some person,
and one who is in our confidence, is now carrying on a secret
correspondence with the Spanish agent at Paris. Cellamare, the Spanish
Ambassador, is concerned in the intrigue. This much we know from
letters which have fallen into my hands, and I have permitted them to
be delivered rather than interrupt a correspondence which will
eventually lead to a discovery of the traitor. We have now good reason
to believe that dispatches of a very serious nature are expected daily
by Yvard--Y