"The more reason why he would. I know Monsieur Cassion even better than you do. He has conversed with me pretty freely in the boat, and made clear his hatred of La Salle, and his desire to do him evil. No fear of your chief will ever deter him, for he believes La Barre has sufficient power now in this country to compel obedience. I overheard the Governor's orders to keep you under close surveillance, and Cassion will jump at the chance of finding you guilty of crime. Now my broken pledge gives him ample excuse." "But it was not broken except through necessity," he urged. "He surely cannot blame you because I saved your life." "I doubt if that has slightest weight. All he will care about is our being here alone together. That fact will obscure all else in his mind." "He believes then that you feel interest in me?" "I have never denied it; the fact which rankles, however, is his knowledge that I feel no interest whatever in him. But we waste time, Monsieur, in fruitless discussion. Our only course is a discovery of Hugo Chevet's real murderer. Know you anything to warrant suspicion?" De Artigny did not answer at once, his eyes looking out on the white crested waters of the lake. "No, Madame," he said at length gravely. "The last time Chevet was seen alive, so far as I now know, was when he left the boats in company with Monsieur Cassion to return to the Mission House." "At dusk?" "It was already quite dark." "They did not arrive together, and Cassion reported that Chevet had remained at the beach in charge of the canoes." "You saw Cassion when he arrived?" "Yes, and before; I was at the window, and watched him approach across the open space. He was alone, and appeared at ease." "What did he do, and say, after he entered the house?" "Absolutely nothing to attract notice; he seemed very weary, and, as soon as he had eaten, lay down on the bench, and fell asleep." "Are you sure he slept?" "I felt no doubt; there was nothing strange about his actions, but as soon as possible I left the room. You surely do not suspect him?" "He was the last to be seen with Chevet; they left the beach together, yet the murdered man failed to appear at the Mission House, and Cassion falsely reported him left in charge at the beach." "But no one could act so indifferent, after just committing such a crime. When you looked in through the window what did you see?" "Only the priests about the table talking, and Cassion seemingly sound asleep. Could there be any reason why he should desire the death of Chevet?" "I know of none. My uncle felt bitter over the concealment of my fortune, and no doubt the two had exchanged words, but there was no open quarrel. Chevet was rough and headstrong, yet he was not killed in fight, for the knife thrust was from behind." "Ay, a coward's blow. Chevet possessed no papers of value?" I shook my head.