"King's messenger--you! _Mon Dieu!_ you look it. Come, man, what mummery is this?" "No mummery, Monsieur. I left France two months since, bearing the King's own word to M. la Barre. 'Tis with his endorsement I journeyed hither to restore Henri de Tonty to his rightful command of Fort St. Louis." "You lie!" Cassion cried hotly, eyes blazing hatred and anger, "'tis some hellish trick." "Monsieur, never before did man say that to me, and live. Were you not felon, and thief I would strike you where you stand. Ay, I mean the words--now listen; lift that sword point and I shoot you dead. Monsieur de Tonty, show the man the papers." Cassion took them as though in a daze, his hand trembling, his eyes burning with malignant rage. I doubt if he ever saw clearly the printed and written words of the document, but he seemed to grasp vaguely the fact of La Barre's signature. "A forgery," he gasped. "Ah, De Baugis, see here; these damned curs of La Salle would play trick on me. Look at the paper." The dragoon took it, and smoothed it out in his hands. His face was grave, as his eyes searched the printed lines. "'Tis the great seal of France," he said soberly, looking about at the faces surrounding him, "and the signature of the governor. How came it here?" "By my hand," returned La Forest proudly. "You know me--Monsieur Francois la Forest." "Ay, I know you, ever a follower of La Salle, and friend of Frontenac. 'Twas through his influence you got this. 'Tis little use for us to quarrel, M. Cassion--the order is genuine." "_Mon Dieu_, I care not for such an order; it does not supersede my commission; I outrank this De Tonty." "Hush, do not play the fool." "Better the fool than the coward." "Wait," said La Forest sharply, "the matter is not ended. You are Francois Cassion, of Quebec?" "Major of Infantry, Commissaire of the Governor La Barre." "So the titles read in this document. I arrest you by King's order for treason to France, and mutilation of official records. Here is the warrant, M. de Baugis, and your orders to convey the prisoner to Quebec for trial." Cassion's face went white, and he struggled madly for breath. De Baugis grasped the paper, so startled at this new development as to be incapable of comprehension. "Under arrest? for what, Monsieur? Treason, and mutilation of official records? What does it mean?"