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We leaned over to watch, but could see nothing, our only evidence of his progress, the jerking of the cord. De Artigny's hand closed on mine. "Dear," he whispered tenderly, "we are alone now you are sorry?" "I am happier than I have ever been in my life," I answered honestly. "I have done what I believe to be right, and trust God. All I care to know now is that you love me."
Chevet would be glad of an excuse, and Cassion's jealousy would spur him on. Yet I must try, and, in truth, I trusted not so much in Monsieur de Artigny's interest in me, as in his reckless love of adventure. 'Twould please him to play an audacious trick on La Salle's enemies, and make Cassion the butt of laughter.
La Barre is not here to decide this, but I am." He put his hand on De Artigny's shoulder. "Monsieur Cassion charges this man with murder. He is an officer of my command, and I arrest him. He shall be protected, and given a fair trial. What more can you ask?" "You will protect him! help him to escape, rather!" burst out Cassion. "That is the scheme, De Baugis."
Never before had I seen such view of devastation, of relentless, savage cruelty, and I gave utterance to a sudden sob, and shrank back against De Artigny's arm, hiding my eyes with my hand. He stood and stared, motionless, breathing heavily, unconsciously gripping my arm. "Mon Dieu!" he burst forth, at last. "What meaneth this? Are the wolves again loose in the valley?"
I looked up as he turned away, and disappeared. Cassion stared after him, smothering an oath, and evidently disappointed at so tame an ending of the affair, for it was his nature to bluster and boast. Yet as his lips changed to a grin, I knew of what the man was thinking he had mistaken De Artigny's actions for cowardice, and felt assured now of how he would deal with him.
"By affording him opportunity to escape during the night; first accepting his pledge never to see you again." "Think you he would give such pledge?" Cassion laughed sarcastically. "Bah, what man would not to save his life! It is for you to speak the word." I stood silent, hesitating to give final answer. Had I truly believed De Artigny's case hopeless I might have yielded, and made pledge.
Even in the darkness I saw him make the symbol of the cross, before he bent forward and kissed my hand. "Madame," he said gravely, "I am but a plain soldier, with all my service on the frontier. I leave to the priests the discussion of doctrines, and to God my punishment and reward. I can only answer you as De Artigny's friend, and an officer of France.
I clung to De Artigny's arm, shrinking from the shadows, my mind filled with nameless fear. "Adele," he whispered, tenderly, "you still fear for me in this venture?" "Yes, Monsieur." "There is no need. You heard La Forest say he bore orders of the King which gave De Tonty command once more of Fort St. Louis." "Yes, Monsieur; but you have already been tried and condemned.
I looked up in surprise, scarce comprehending the unexpected outburst. "You mean the Sieur de Artigny?" "Ay! Don't play with me! I mean Louis de Artigny's brat. Bah! he may fool Cassion with his soft words, but not Hugo Chevet. I know the lot of them this many year, and no ward of mine will have aught to do with the brood, either young or old. You hear that, Adele!
With a feeling of relief in my heart, a sense that my reputation was safe, and that the good God had set the seal of His approval on the choice made, I accepted De Artigny's outstretched hand, and permitted him to assist me down the bank.
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