"Not with proper leadership. We have seen them fight often since we invaded this land. 'Tis my thought many of them are hiding now beyond those hills, and may find some way to reach us. I suspected such an effort last night, when I sent out the rescue party which brought you in. Ah, that reminds me, Madame; you sent for me?" "Yes, M. de Tonty. I can speak to you frankly? You are the friend of Sieur de Artigny?" "Faith, I hope I am, Madame, but I know not what has got into the lad--he will tell me nothing." "I suspected as much, Monsieur. It was for that reason I have sent for you. He has not even told you the story of our journey?" "Ay, as brief as a military report--not a fact I could not have guessed. There is a secret here, which I have not discovered. Why is M. Cassion so wild for the lad's blood? and how came there to be trouble between Rene, and the fur trader? Bah! I know the lad is no murderer, but no one will tell me the facts." "Then I will, Monsieur," I said gravely. "It was because of my belief that Sieur de Artigny would refuse explanation that I sent for you. The truth need not be concealed; not from you, at least, the commander of Fort St. Louis--" "Pardon, Madame, but I am not that. La Salle left me in command with less than a dozen men. De Baugis came later, under commission from La Barre, but he also had but a handful of followers. To save quarrel we agreed to divide authority, and so got along fairly well, until M. Cassion arrived with his party. Then the odds were altogether on the other side, and De Baugis assumed command by sheer force of rifles. 'Twas La Salle's wish that no resistance be made, but, faith, with the Indians scattered, I had no power. This morning things have taken a new phase. An hour ago M. Cassion assumed command of the garrison by virtue of a commission he produced from the Governor La Barre, naming him major of infantry. This gives him rank above Captain de Baugis, and, besides, he bore also a letter authorizing him to take command of all French troops in this valley, if, in his judgment, circumstances rendered it necessary. No doubt he deemed this the proper occasion." "To assure the conviction, and death of De Artigny?" I asked, as he paused. "That is your meaning, Monsieur?" "I cannot see it otherwise," he answered slowly, "although I hesitate to make so grave a charge in your presence, Madame. Our situation here is scarcely grave enough to warrant his action, for the fort is in no serious danger from the Iroquois. De Baugis, while no friend of mine, is still a fair minded man, and merciful. He cannot be made a tool for any purpose of revenge. This truth Major Cassion has doubtless learned, and hence assumes command himself to carry out his plans." I looked into the soldier's dark, clear-cut face, feeling a confidence in him, which impelled me to hold out my hand.