"'Tis hard to tell, as there are fur hunters there of whom we have no record. La Salle's report would make his own command eighteen, but they are well chosen, and he hath lieutenants not so far away as to be forgotten. La Forest would strike at a word, and De la Durantaye is at the Chicago portage, and no friend of mine. 'Tis of importance, therefore, that your voyage be swiftly completed, and my orders placed in De Baugis' hands. Are all things ready for departure?" "Ay, the boats only await my coming." The Governor leaned his head on his hand, crumbling the paper between his fingers. "This young fellow--De Artigny," he said thoughtfully, "you have some special reason for keeping him in your company?" Cassion crossed the room, his face suddenly darkening. "Ay, now I have," he explained shortly, "although I first engaged his services merely for what I deemed to be their value. He spoke me most fairly." "But since?" "I have cause to suspect. Chevet tells me that today he had conference with Mademoiselle at the House of the Ursulines." "Ah, 'twas for that then you had his ticket revoked. I see where the shoe pinches. 'Twill be safer with him in the boats than back here in Quebec. Then I give permission, and wash my hands of the whole affair--but beware of him, Cassion." "I may be trusted, sir." "I question that no longer." He hesitated slightly, then added in lower tone: "If accident occur the report may be briefly made. I think that will be all." Both men were upon their feet, and La Barre extended his hand across the desk. I do not know what movement may have caused it, but at that moment, a wooden ring holding the curtain fell, and struck the floor at my feet. Obeying the first impulse I thrust De Artigny back behind me into the shadow, and held aside the drapery. Both men, turning, startled at the sound, beheld me clearly, and stared in amazement. Cassion took a step forward, an exclamation of surprise breaking from his lips. "Adele! Mademoiselle!" I stepped more fully into the light, permitting the curtain to fall behind me, and my eyes swept their faces. "Yes, Monsieur--you were seeking me?" "For an hour past; for what reason did you leave the ballroom?" With no purpose in my mind but to gain time in which to collect my thought and protect De Artigny from discovery, I made answer, assuming a carelessness of demeanor which I was far from feeling. "Has it been so long, Monsieur?" I returned in apparent surprise. "Why I merely sought a breath of fresh air, and became interested in the scene without." La Barre stood motionless, just as he had risen to his feet at the first alarm, his eyes on my face, his heavy eyebrows contracted in a frown. "I will question the young lady, Cassion," he said sternly, "for I have interests here of my own. Mademoiselle!" "Yes, Monsieur." "How long have you been behind that curtain?" "Monsieur Cassion claims to have sought me for an hour."