"This--the man knows, and will not deny the charge. False testimony sworn to, and signed by this Francois Cassion, charged Captain la Chesnayne with cowardice and treason. In consequence the latter was broken of his command, and his estates forfeited to the Crown. Later, through the efforts of Frontenac, the King was convinced of injustice, and the estates were restored by royal order. This order reached Quebec, but was never recorded. This Cassion was then private secretary to the governor, and the paper came into his hands. Later, to hush up the scandal, he married Captain la Chesnayne's daughter against her will. The day this was accomplished the lost order was placed on file." "You saw it?" "Yes, I had the files searched secretly. The order was dispatched from France five years ago, but was stamped as received the day Cassion departed from Quebec." My eyes were upon the speaker and I failed to note how the accused man met this damning charge. It was his voice which drew my attention--high pitched, harsh, unnatural. "_Mon Dieu!_ 'twas not I--'twas La Barre!" "Tell that in Quebec; though little good 'twill do you. M. de Baugis, in the King's name I order this man's arrest." I saw De Baugis step forward, his hand outstretched; then all was confusion and struggle. With the hoarse snarl of a beast, Cassion leaped forward, struck La Forest with his shoulder, and drove sword point into De Artigny. De Tonty gripped him, but was hurled aside by insane strength, reeling back so that the weight of his body struck me to my knees. The next instant, his sword-point dripping blood, the runner was beyond reach, speeding for the open gate. What followed I know from word of others, and no view I had of it. De Artigny had fallen, huddled in a heap on the grass, and I dragged myself across to him on my knees. I heard oaths, a shuffling of feet, a rush of bodies, a voice I did not recognize shouting some order--then the sharp crack of a rifle, and silence. I cared not what had occurred; I had De Artigny's head in my arms, and his eyes opened and smiled up at me full of courage. "You are badly hurt?" "No, I think not; the thrust was too high. Lift me, and I breathe better. The man must have been mad." "Surely yes, Monsieur; think you he had hope of escape?" "'Tis likely he thought only of revenge. Ah, you are here also, De Tonty." "Yes, lad; there is small use for me yonder. You are not seriously struck?" "I bleed freely, but the thrust was in the shoulder. I could stand, I think, with your aid." On his feet he leaned heavily on us both, yet would not be led away, until La Forest joined us. He held in his hand some papers, yet neither of us questioned him. "Monsieur de Tonty," he said, "I would have private word with you." "When I help De Artigny to his bed, and have look at his wound. Yet is it not matter of interest to these as well?" "I take it so." "Then speak your message--M. Cassion is dead?"