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Updated: May 26, 2025
So I sat with the sisters within the dull, gray walls, seemingly unconscious of the père's eyes stealthily watching my every motion, as he pretended other employment. Cassion came twice, more to assure himself that I was safely held than for any other purpose, yet it pleased me to see his eyes follow my movements, and to realize the man had deeper interest in me than formerly.
"You do me honor." I turned to De Tonty. "Shall I go, Monsieur?" "I think it best, Madame," he replied soberly, his dark eyes contemptuously surveying Cassion. "To refuse would only strengthen the case against the prisoner. M. Cassion will not, I am sure, deny me the privilege of accompanying you. Permit me to offer my arm."
"Yes, Monsieur, but not so much for my own sake, as for yours. I bring you warning that you adventure with those who would do you evil if the chance arrive." "Bah! Monsieur Cassion?" "'Tis not well for you to despise the man, for he has power and is a villain at heart in spite of all his pretty ways. 'Tis said he has the cruelty of a tiger, and in this case La Barre gives him full authority."
Had Monsieur Cassion any occasion to distrust me?" "I know not as to occasion, Monsieur, but he left Quebec disliking you because of our conference there, and some words La Barre spoke gave him fresh suspicion that you and I were friends, and should be watched. I do not altogether blame the man for he learned early that I thought little of him, and held it no honor to be his wife.
As I paused before the fire, someone rapped at the door. I stood erect, my fingers gripping the pistol which I still retained. Again the raps sounded, clearly enough defined in the night, yet not violent, or threatening. "Who is there?" I asked. "Your husband, my dear Francois Cassion." "But why do you come? It was the pledge of De Baugis that I was to be left here alone."
Cassion hesitated, yet seemed to realize the uselessness of deceit. "A dozen or more soldiers of the Regiment of Picardy, some couriers du bois, and the Indian paddlers. There will be four boats." "You go by the Ottawa, and the lakes?" "Such were my orders." "'Tis less fatiguing, although a longer journey; and the time of departure?" Cassion laughed, as he turned slightly, and bowed to me.
We may have proceeded for half a league, when a fog swept in toward the land enveloping us in its folds, although we were close enough to the shore so as to keep safely together, the word being passed back down the line, and as we drew nearer I became aware that De Artigny's boat had turned about, and he was endeavoring to induce Cassion to go ashore and make camp before the storm broke.
I lowered the bar, opening the door barely wide enough to permit the bag's passage. The light from the fire gleamed on the barrel of the pistol held in my hand. It was the work of an instant, and I saw nothing of Cassion, but, as the door closed, he laughed scornfully. "Tis your game tonight, Madame," he said spitefully, "but tomorrow I play my hand.
Our being alone together here will enrage Monsieur Cassion, and he will use all his power for revenge. My testimony will only make your case more desperate should I confess what I know, and you might cast suspicion upon me " "You do not believe I would." "No, I do not, and yet, perchance, it might be better for us both if I made full confession.
Cassion, braced, and expectant, peered into the shadows, evidently perceiving nothing; then stepped within, only to instantly reappear, his expression that of disappointment. The blood surged back to my heart, and my lips smiled. "No one is there, Monsieur," he reported, "but the window is open." "And not a dangerous leap to the court below," returned La Barre thoughtfully.
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