"By the saints!" he exclaimed. "'Tis a sly fox to break through our guard so easily. Ay, and 'twill give him a month to whisper his lies to Louis, before La Barre can forward a report. But, _sacre!_ my young chanticleer, surely you are not here to bring me this bit of news. You sought me, you said? Well, for what purpose?" "In peace, Monsieur. Because I have served Sieur de la Salle loyally is no reason why we should be enemies. We are both the King's men, and may work together. The word has come to me that you head a party for the Illinois, with instructions for De Baugis at Fort St. Louis. Is this true?" Cassion bowed coldly, waiting to discover how much more his questioner knew. "Ah, then I am right thus far. Well, Monsieur, 'twas on that account I came, to volunteer as guide." "You! 'Twould be treachery." "Oh, no; our interests are the same so far as the journey goes. I would reach St. Louis; so would you. Because we may have different ends in view, different causes to serve, has naught to do with the trail thither. There is not a man who knows the way as well as I. Four times have I traveled it, and I am not a savage, Monsieur--I am a gentleman of France." "And you pledge your word?" "I pledge my word--to guide you safe to Fort St. Louis. Once there I am comrade to Sieur de la Salle." "Bah! I care not who you comrade with, once you serve my purpose. I take your offer, and if you play me false--" "Restrain your threats, Monsieur Cassion. A quarrel will get us nowhere. You have my word of honor; 'tis enough. Who will compose the party?" Cassion hesitated, yet seemed to realize the uselessness of deceit. "A dozen or more soldiers of the Regiment of Picardy, some _couriers du bois_, and the Indian paddlers. There will be four boats." "You go by the Ottawa, and the lakes?" "Such were my orders." "'Tis less fatiguing, although a longer journey; and the time of departure?" Cassion laughed, as he turned slightly, and bowed to me. "We leave Quebec before dawn Tuesday," he said gaily. "It is my wish to enjoy once more the follies of civilization before plunging into the wilderness. The Governor permits that we remain to his ball. Mademoiselle la Chesnayne does me the honor of being my guest on that occasion." "I, Monsieur!" I exclaimed in surprise at his boastful words. "'Twas my uncle who proposed--" "Tut, tut, what of that?" he interrupted in no way discomposed. "It is my request which opens the golden gates. The good Hugo here but looks on at a frivolity for which he cares nothing. 'Tis the young who dance. And you, Monsieur de Artigny, am I to meet you there also, or perchance later at the boat landing?" The younger man seemed slow in response, but across Cassion's shoulder our eyes met. I know not what he saw in the glance of mine, for I gave no sign, yet his face brightened, and his words were carelessly spoken.