"By overhearing conversation while hidden behind the curtain in La Barre's office. He spoke freely with his aide, and later with Cassion. It was my discovery there which led to the forced marriage, and our being sent with this expedition." "You heard alone?" "So they thought, and naturally believed marriage would prevent my ever bearing witness against them. But I was not alone." "_Mon Dieu!_ Another heard?" "Yes, the Sieur de Artigny." Chevet grasped my arm, and in the glare of the fire I could see his excitement pictured in his face. "Who? That lad? You were in hiding there together? And did he realize what was said?" "That I do not know," I answered, "for we have exchanged no word since. When my presence was discovered, De Artigny escaped unseen through the open window. I need to meet him again that these matters may be explained, and that I may learn just what he overheard. It was to enlist your aid that I sent for you." "To bring the lad here?" "No; that could not be done without arousing the suspicion of Cassion. The two are already on the verge of quarrel. You must find some way of drawing the Commissaire aside--not tonight, for there is plenty of time before us, and I am sure we are being watched now--and that will afford me opportunity." "But why may I not speak him?" "You!" I laughed. "He would be likely to talk with you. A sweet message you sent him in Quebec." "I was drunk, and Cassion asked it of me." "I thought as much; the coward makes you pull his chestnuts from the fire. Do you give me the pledge?" "Ay! although 'tis not my way to play sweet, when I should enjoy to wring the fellow's neck. What was it La Barre said?" I hesitated a moment, doubting how much I had better tell, yet decided it would be best to intrust him with the facts, and some knowledge of what I proposed to do. "That just before he died my father's property was restored to him by the King, but the Royal order was never recorded. It exists, but where I do not know, nor do I know as yet for what purpose it was concealed. My marriage to Cassion must have been an afterthought, for he is but a creature of La Barre's. It is through him the greater villains seek control; but, no doubt, he was a willing tool enough, and expects his share." "Why not let me choke the truth out of him then? Bah! it would be easy." "For two reasons," I said earnestly. "First, I doubt if he knows the true conspiracy, or can lay hands on the King's restoration. Without that we have no proof of fraud. And second, coward though he may be, his very fear might yield him courage. No, Uncle Chevet, we must wait, and learn these facts through other means than force. 'Tis back in Quebec, not in this wilderness, we will find the needed proofs. What I ask of you is, pretend to know nothing; do not permit Cassion to suspicion that I have confided in you. We must encourage him to talk by saying nothing which will put him on guard."