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Updated: June 4, 2025
He sent the Chevalier de Baugis, lieutenant of his guard, with a considerable number of canoes and men, to seize La Salle's fort of St. Louis on the river Illinois; a measure which, while gratifying the passions and the greed of himself and his allies, would greatly increase he danger of rupture with the Iroquois.
I saw De Tonty, De Baugis, De la Durantaye ay! and there was M. Cassion, back among the stragglers, waving his sword gallantly in the air. It was all over with so quickly I could but sit and stare; they ran past me in pursuit, wild yells echoing through the woods, but all I thought of then was M. de Artigny.
It was not large, and was already well filled, a table littered with papers occupying the central space, De Baugis and De la Durantaye seated beside it, while numerous other figures were standing pressed against the walls. I recognized the familiar faces of several of our party, but before I recovered from my first embarrassment De Baugis arose, and with much politeness offered me a chair.
Even if I told what I knew it would only strengthen the chain of circumstance, and make his guilt appear clearer. De Tonty would be his friend, faithful to the end; and I possessed faith in the justice of De Baugis, yet the facts of the case could not be ignored and these, unexplained, tipped with the venom of Cassion's hatred, were sufficient to condemn the prisoner.
De Baugis, while no friend of mine, is still a fair minded man, and merciful. He cannot be made a tool for any purpose of revenge. This truth Major Cassion has doubtless learned, and hence assumes command himself to carry out his plans." I looked into the soldier's dark, clear-cut face, feeling a confidence in him, which impelled me to hold out my hand.
La Salle's men remain loyal to De Tonty, and the Indian tribes look to him for leadership. Mon Dieu! it was reported in Quebec that twelve thousand savages were living about the fort ay! and De Artigny said he doubted it not, for the meadows were covered with tepees so De Baugis has small chance to rule until he has force behind him.
I asked, "the man who led?" "Boisrondet, Francois de Boisrondet." "An officer of La Salle's? You then are of his company?" "I am," a bit proudly, "but most of the lads yonder belong with De Baugis. Now we fight a common foe, and forget our own quarrel. Did you say Rene de Artigny was in the fighting yonder?" "Yes; he and a soldier named Barbeau." The fellow stood silent, shifting his feet.
I would I knew their language." "'Twas the tongue of the Tuscaroras," I answered. "My father taught me a little of it years ago. The first words spoken were a warning to be still; the other answered that the white men are all asleep." "And I am not sure but that is true. If De Tonty was in command the walls would be well guarded, but De Baugis and Cassion know nothing of Indian war."
And I knew instinctively the course the man would pursue. His one thought, his one purpose, would be revenge nothing would satisfy him except the death of De Artigny. Personally I had little to fear; I knew his cowardice, and that he would never venture to use physical force with me. Even if he did I could rely upon the gallantry of De Tonty, and of De Baugis for protection.
"'Tis no time, with Iroquois about, to start a quarrel, yet if a hand be laid on this lad here in anger, we, who are of La Salle's Company, will protect him with our lives " "You defend a murderer?" "No; a comrade. Listen to me, Cassion, and you De Baugis. I have held quiet to your dictation, but no injustice shall be done to comrade of mine save by force of arms.
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