"You overheard, Monsieur?" I whispered. He leaned closer, his lips at my ear, his eyes dark with eagerness. "Every word, Mademoiselle! Fear not, I shall yet learn the truth from this Cassion. You suspected?" I shook my head, uncertain. "My father died in that faith, Monsieur, but Chevet called me a beggar." "Chevet! no doubt he knows all, and has a dirty hand in the mess. He called you beggar, hey!--hush, the fellow comes." He was a picture of insolent servility, as he stood there bowing, his gay dress fluttering with ribbons, his face smiling, yet utterly expressionless. La Barre lifted his eyes, and surveyed him coldly. "You sent for me, sir?" "Yes, although I scarcely thought at this hour you would appear in the apparel of a dandy. I have chosen you for serious work, Monsieur, and the time is near for your departure. Surely my orders were sufficiently clear?" "They were, Governor la Barre," and Cassion's lips lost their grin, "and my delay in changing dress has occurred through the strange disappearance of Mademoiselle la Chesnayne. I left her with Major Callons while I danced with my lady, and have since found no trace of the maid." "Does not Callons know?" "Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on his return. Her wraps are in the dressing room." "Then 'tis not like she has fled the palace. No doubt she awaits you in some corner. I will have the servants look, and meanwhile pay heed to me. This is a mission of more import than love-making with a maid, Monsieur Cassion, and its success, or failure, will determine your future. You have my letter of instruction?" "It has been carefully read." "And the sealed orders for Chevalier de Baugis?" "Here, protected in oiled silk." "See that they reach him, and no one else; they give him an authority I could not grant before, and should end La Salle's control of that country. You have met this Henri de Tonty? He was here with his master three years since, and had audience." "Ay, but that was before my time. Is he one to resist De Baugis?" "He impressed me as a man who would obey to the letter, Monsieur; a dark-faced soldier, with an iron jaw. He had lost one arm in battle, and was loyal to his chief." "So I have heard--a stronger man than De Baugis?" "A more resolute; all depends on what orders La Salle left, and the number of men the two command." "In that respect the difference is not great. De Baugis had but a handful of soldiers to take from Mackinac, although his _voyageurs_ may be depended upon to obey his will. His instructions were not to employ force." "And the garrison of St. Louis?"