The idleness of reaction was on Menard. He leaned on the parapet, hardly stirring, while the priest went on his way across the square and began toiling up the steps. When he was halfway up, Menard recognized him for Claude de Casson, an old Jesuit of the Iroquois mission at Sault St. Francis Xavier, near Montreal. Menard strolled through the citadel to the square, and, meeting the Father, walked with him. "Well, Father Claude, you are a long way from your flock." "Yes, Captain Menard, I came with the relations. I have been"--Father Claude was blown from his climb, and he paused, wiping the sweat from his lean face--"I have been grieved by a spectacle in the Lower Town. Some wretches had killed an Onondaga with the brutality of his own tribe, and were robbing him. Are such acts permitted to-day in Quebec, M'sieu?" "He was a prisoner escaping from the soldiers. It must be a full year since I last saw you, Father. I hope you bring a good record to the College." "The best since our founding, M'sieu." "Is there no word in the relations from the New York missions?" "Yes, M'sieu. Brother de Lamberville brings glorious word from the Mohawks. Twenty-three complete conversions." "You say he brings this word?" Menard's brows came together. "Then he has come up to Montreal?" "Yes." "It is true, then, that the Iroquois have word of our plans?" "It would seem so. He said that a war party which started weeks ago for the Illinois country had been recalled. A messenger was sent out but a few days before he came away." Menard slowly shook his head. "This word should go to the Commandant," he said. "How about your Indians at the Mission, Father Claude? They have not French hearts." "Ah, but I am certain, M'sieu, they would not break faith with us." "You can trust them?" "They are Christians, M'sieu." "Yes, but they are Iroquois. Have none of them gone away since this news reached Quebec?" "None, save one poor wretch whose drunkenness long ago caused us to give up hope, though I--" "What became of him? Where did he go?" "He wandered away in a drunken fit." "And you have not heard from him since?" "No, M'sieu. He was Teganouan, an Onondaga." "You would do well, Father, if I may suggest, to take what news you may have to the Commandant. You and I know the importance of trifles at such a time as this. How long do you remain in Quebec?" "A few days only, unless there should be work for me here." "Do you return then to Montreal?" "I cannot say until I have made my report and delivered the relations. Brother de Lamberville thinks it important that word should go to all those who are now labouring in the Iroquois villages. If they remain after the campaign is fairly started, their lives may be in danger." "You think it necessary to go yourself?" "What else, M'sieu? This is not the time to trust too freely an Indian runner. And a layman might never get through alive. My habit would be the best safeguard."