"My guess is that of Colonel Delguard, La Barre's chief of staff, for there was a letter for him lying on the desk. What difference? You are glad I came?" "Yes, Monsieur, but not so much for my own sake, as for yours. I bring you warning that you adventure with those who would do you evil if the chance arrive." "Bah! Monsieur Cassion?" "'Tis not well for you to despise the man, for he has power and is a villain at heart in spite of all his pretty ways. 'Tis said he has the cruelty of a tiger, and in this case La Barre gives him full authority." "Hath the Governor grudge against me also?" "Only that you are follower of La Salle, and loyal, while he is heart and hand with the other faction. He chided Cassion for accepting you as guide, and advised close watch lest you show treachery." "You overheard their talk?" "Ay! they made no secret of it; but I am convinced La Barre has more definite instructions to give in private, for he asked the Commissaire to come to him later for conference. I felt that you should be told, Monsieur." De Artigny leaned motionless against the window ledge, and the light streaming in through the opening of the draperies revealed the gravity of his expression. For the moment he remained silent, turning the affair over in his mind. "I thank you, Mademoiselle," he said finally, and touched my hand, "for your report gives me one more link to my chain. I have picked up several in the past few hours, and all seem to lead back to the manipulations of Cassion. Faith! there is some mystery here, for surely the man seemed happy enough when first we met at Chevet's house, and accepted my offer gladly. Have you any theory as to this change in his front?" I felt the blood surge to my cheeks, and my eyes fell before the intensity of his glance. "If I have, Monsieur, 'tis no need that it be mentioned." "Your pardon, Mademoiselle, but your words already answer me--'tis then that I have shown interest in you; the dog is jealous!" "Monsieur!" He laughed, and I felt the tightening of his hand on mine. "Good! and by all the gods, I will give him fair cause. The thought pleases me, for rather would I be your soldier than my own. See, how it dovetails in--I meet you at the convent and pledge you my aid; some spy bears word of our conference to Monsieur, and an hour later I receive word that if I have more to do with you I die. I smile at the warning and send back a message of insult. Then my invitation to this ball is withdrawn, and, later still, La Barre even advises that I be assassinated at the least excuse. 'Twould seem they deem you of importance, Mademoiselle." "You make it no more than a joke?" "Far from it; the very fact that I know the men makes it matter of grave concern. I might, indeed, smile did it concern myself alone, but I have your interests in mind--you have honored me by calling me your only friend, and now I know not where I may serve you best--in the wilderness, or here in Quebec?"