"Nay, wait, Cassion. 'Twill be best to learn the truth before resorting to blows. Perchance Monsieur Tonty can explain clearly what has happened." "It is explained already," answered the Italian, and he took a step forward as though to protect us. "These two, with a soldier of M. de la Durantaye, endeavored to reach the fort, and were attacked by Iroquois. We dispatched men to their rescue, and have all now safe within the palisades. What more would you learn, Messieurs?" Cassion pressed forward, and fronted him, angered beyond control. "We know all that," he roared savagely. "But I would learn why they hid themselves from me. Ay, Madame, but I will make you talk when once we are alone! But now I denounce this man as the murderer of Hugo Chevet, and order him under arrest. Here, lads, seize the fellow." CHAPTER XXVI IN DE BAUGIS' QUARTERS De Tonty never gave way an inch, as a dozen soldiers advanced at Cassion's order. "Wait men!" he said sternly. "'Tis no time, with Iroquois about, to start a quarrel, yet if a hand be laid on this lad here in anger, we, who are of La Salle's Company, will protect him with our lives--" "You defend a murderer?" "No; a comrade. Listen to me, Cassion, and you De Baugis. I have held quiet to your dictation, but no injustice shall be done to comrade of mine save by force of arms. I know naught of your quarrel, or your charges of crime against De Artigny, but the lad is going to have fair play. He is no _courier du bois_ to be killed for your vengeance, but an officer under Sieur de la Salle, entitled to trial and judgment." "He was my guide; I have authority." "Not now, Monsieur. 'Tis true he served you, and was your _engagé_ on the voyage hither. But even in that service, he obeyed the orders of La Salle. Now, within these palisades, he is an officer of this garrison, and subject only to me." De Baugis spoke, his voice cold, contemptuous. "You refuse obedience to the Governor of New France?" "No, Monsieur; I am under orders to obey. There will be no trouble between us if you are just to my men. La Barre is not here to decide this, but I am." He put his hand on De Artigny's shoulder. "Monsieur Cassion charges this man with murder. He is an officer of my command, and I arrest him. He shall be protected, and given a fair trial. What more can you ask?" "You will protect him! help him to escape, rather!" burst out Cassion. "That is the scheme, De Baugis." "Your words are insult, Monsieur, and I bear no more. If you seek quarrel, you shall have it. I am your equal, Monsieur, and my commission comes from the King. Ah, M. de la Durantaye, what say you of this matter?" A man, broad shouldered, in the dress of a woodsman, elbowed his way through the throng of soldiers. He had a strong, good-humored face.