"Tis your game tonight, Madame," he said spitefully, "but tomorrow I play my hand. I thank you for the bag, as it contains my commission. By virtue of it I shall assume command of this Fort St. Louis, and I know how to deal with murderers. I congratulate you on your lover, Madame--good night." I dropped into the nearest seat, trembling in every limb. It was not personal fear, nor did I in my heart resent the insult of his last words. De Artigny was my lover, not in mere lip service, but in fact. I was not ashamed, but proud, to know this was true. The only thing of which I was ashamed was my relationship with Cassion; and my only thought now was how that relationship could be ended, and De Artigny's life saved. The paper I had found was indeed of value, yet I realized it alone was not enough to offset the charges which Cassion would support by his own evidence and that of his men. This mere suggestion in La Barre's handwriting meant nothing unless we could discover also in Cassion's possession the documents taken from Chevet And these, beyond doubt, had been destroyed. Over and over again in my mind I turned these thoughts, but only to grow more confused and uncertain. All the powers of hate were arrayed against us, and I felt helpless and alone. I must have slept finally from sheer exhaustion, although I made no attempt to lie down. It was broad daylight, when I awoke, aroused by pounding on the door. To my inquiry a voice announced food, and I lowered the bar, permitting an orderly to enter bearing a tray, which he deposited on the table. Without speaking he turned to leave the room, but I suddenly felt courage to address him. "You were not of our party," I said gravely. "Are you a soldier of M. de Baugis?" "No, Madame," and he turned facing me, his countenance a pleasant one. "I am not a soldier at all, but I serve M. de Tonty." "Ah, I am glad of that. You will bear to your master a message?" "Perhaps, Madame," his tone somewhat doubtful. "You are the wife of Monsieur Cassion?" "Do not hesitate because of that," I hastened to say, believing I understood his meaning. "While it is true I am legally the wife of Francois Cassion, my sympathies now are altogether with the Sieur de Artigny. I would have you ask M. de Tonty to confer with me." "Yes, Madame." "You have served with De Artigny? You know him well?" "Three years, Madame; twice he saved my life on the great river. M. de Tonty shall receive your message."