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Updated: June 4, 2025
As I stood staring at it, I remembered the words of De Baugis, "your husband has been my guest." Ay, that was it this had been Cassion's quarters since his arrival, and this was his bag, the one he kept beside him in the canoe, his private property. My heart beat wildly in the excitement of discovery, yet there was no hesitation; instantly I was upon my knees tugging at the straps.
"Wait," he cried as though thinking me about to rise. "There are questions yet." "Monsieur," said De Baugis coldly. "If there are questions it is my place to ask them." "Ay," angrily beating his hand on the board, "but it is plain to be seen the woman has bewitched you. No, I will not be denied; I am Commandant here, and with force enough behind me to make my will law.
De Baugis had but a handful of soldiers to take from Mackinac, although his voyageurs may be depended upon to obey his will. His instructions were not to employ force." "And the garrison of St. Louis?" "'Tis hard to tell, as there are fur hunters there of whom we have no record.
"Ay! the lieutenant Sieur de la Salle left in charge at St. Louis; an Italian they tell me, and loyal to his master. 'Tis like he may resist my orders, and De Baugis hath but a handful with which to uphold authority. I am not sure I approve of your selecting this lad De Artigny as a guide; he may play you false." "Small chance he'll have for any trick."
It was his voice which drew my attention high pitched, harsh, unnatural. "Mon Dieu! 'twas not I 'twas La Barre!" "Tell that in Quebec; though little good 'twill do you. M. de Baugis, in the King's name I order this man's arrest." I saw De Baugis step forward, his hand outstretched; then all was confusion and struggle.
De Baugis had no better with him, and La Salle led a gang of outcasts. With right leadership you can make them do men's work. 'Tis no kid-gloved job you have, Monsieur Cassion." The insulting indifference of the old fur trader's tone surprised the Commissaire, and he exhibited resentment. "You are overly free with your comments, Hugo Chevet. When I wish advice I will ask it."
"And the sealed orders for Chevalier de Baugis?" "Here, protected in oiled silk." "See that they reach him, and no one else; they give him an authority I could not grant before, and should end La Salle's control of that country. You have met this Henri de Tonty? He was here with his master three years since, and had audience." "Ay, but that was before my time. Is he one to resist De Baugis?"
He was officer of La Salle, friend of De Tonty, and through his conviction they could strike at the men they both hated and feared. More, they realized also that such action would please La Barre. Whatever else had been accomplished by my exhibit of the governor's letter, it had clearly shown De Baugis that his master desired the overthrow of the young explorer.
I doubt if he ever saw clearly the printed and written words of the document, but he seemed to grasp vaguely the fact of La Barre's signature. "A forgery," he gasped. "Ah, De Baugis, see here; these damned curs of La Salle would play trick on me. Look at the paper." The dragoon took it, and smoothed it out in his hands. His face was grave, as his eyes searched the printed lines.
Not even he realized all I had witnessed that night, and yet I must tell the truth the whole truth, even though the telling cost his life. The words came faster, and my nerves ceased to throb. I read sympathy in De Baugis' eyes, and addressed him alone.
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