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Updated: May 31, 2025
My only faith in Hugo Chevet rested in his natural resentment of Cassion's treachery relative to my father's fortune. He would feel that he had been cheated, deceived, deprived of his rightful share of the spoils.
Chevet did not return to the house after Monsieur Cassion's canoe had disappeared. I saw him walking back and forth along the river bank, smoking, and seemingly thinking out some problem. Nor did he appear until I had the evening meal ready, and called to him down the arbor.
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.
With Frontenac's removal, and the appointment of La Barre as Governor, the hopes of La Salle's enemies revived, and when Cassion's smooth tongue won him a place as Commissaire, all concerned became more bold and confident in their planning.
I read admiration in Cassion's eyes, as I came forward from the shadows to greet him, and was not unhappy to know he recognized my beauty, and was moved by it. Yet it was not of him I thought, but Rene de Artigny. There was a chair without, and bearers, while two soldiers of the Regiment of Picardy, held torches to light the way, and open passage.
"They were, Governor la Barre," and Cassion's lips lost their grin, "and my delay in changing dress has occurred through the strange disappearance of Mademoiselle la Chesnayne. I left her with Major Callons while I danced with my lady, and have since found no trace of the maid." "Does not Callons know?" "Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on his return.
Even now I doubt if his sluggish brain has grasped the truth. To him the alliance was an honor, an opening to possible wealth in the fur trade through Cassion's influence with La Barre. He could perceive nothing else except his good luck in thus ridding himself of the care of a poor niece who had been a sorry burden." "But you explained to him?" "I tried to, but only to regret the effort.
What he dared say to me?" "Surely; and were his words true?" "True! what mean you? That he would resist my authority?" "That he held commission from the King, while your only authority was by word of the Governor? Was it not by Royal Orders that La Salle was relieved of command?" Cassion's face exhibited embarrassment, yet he managed to laugh.
Ay, Madame, but I will make you talk when once we are alone! But now I denounce this man as the murderer of Hugo Chevet, and order him under arrest. Here, lads, seize the fellow." De Tonty never gave way an inch, as a dozen soldiers advanced at Cassion's order. "Wait men!" he said sternly.
"But my land, Monsieur; my niece?" La Barre permitted himself a laugh. "Bah! let the land lie fallow; 'twill cost little while you draw a wage, and as for Mademoiselle, 'tis that you may accompany her I make choice. Stand back; you have your orders, and now I'll show you good reason." He stood up, and placed his hand on Cassion's arm. "Now my dear, Francois, if you will join the lady."
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