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Updated: May 26, 2025
Through the thick wood his voice still penetrated in words of hatred. Then it ceased, and I was alone in the silence, sinking down nerveless beside the table, my face buried in my hands. I had done right; I knew I had done right, yet the reaction left me weak and pulseless. I saw now clearly what must be done. Never could I live with this Cassion; never again could I acknowledge him as husband.
Usually this messenger was an Indian, but once De Artigny himself came, and guided our canoes through a torrent of white, raging water, amid a maze of murderous rocks. During these days and weeks Cassion treated me with consideration and outward respect.
The word has come to me that you head a party for the Illinois, with instructions for De Baugis at Fort St. Louis. Is this true?" Cassion bowed coldly, waiting to discover how much more his questioner knew. "Ah, then I am right thus far. Well, Monsieur, 'twas on that account I came, to volunteer as guide." "You! 'Twould be treachery."
All were on their feet, their faces picturing the sudden horror, yet Cassion was first to recover his wits, and lead the way without. Grasping the soldier's arm, and bidding him show where the body lay, he thrust him through the door. I lingered behind shrinking from being again compelled to view the sight of the dead man, yet unable to keep entirely away.
I left France two months since, bearing the King's own word to M. la Barre. 'Tis with his endorsement I journeyed hither to restore Henri de Tonty to his rightful command of Fort St. Louis." "You lie!" Cassion cried hotly, eyes blazing hatred and anger, "'tis some hellish trick." "Monsieur, never before did man say that to me, and live.
"When I help De Artigny to his bed, and have look at his wound. Yet is it not matter of interest to these as well?" "I take it so." "Then speak your message M. Cassion is dead?" "The sentry's bullet found his heart, Monsieur." "I saw him fall. Those papers were upon him are they of value?" "That I know not; they possess no meaning to me, but they were addressed to the man killed at St. Ignace."
"I was but a girl when he was killed, and we seldom met, for he was usually on campaign. Yet what do you mean by thus expressing surprise at my marriage to Monsieur Cassion?" He hesitated, evidently regretting his impulsive speech, and glancing from my face into the stern eyes of De Artigny. "Monsieur, Madame, I spoke hastily; it was not my place."
He was a dark man, stern of face, and with strange, furtive eyes, concealed behind long lashes and overhanging brows. Yet he was most gracious to Du L'Hut, and when he turned, and perceived Monsieur Cassion next in line, smiled and extended his hand cordially. "Ah, Francois, and so you are here at last, and ever welcome.
My eyes watched every moving figure, but the man was not present, my anxiety increasing as I realized his absence, and speculated as to its cause. Could Cassion have interfered? Could he have learned of our interview, and used his influence secretly to prevent our meeting again? It was not impossible, for the man was seemingly in close touch with Quebec, and undoubtedly possessed power.
I saw the hand of the younger man close on the knife hilt at his belt, but was quick enough to avert the hot words burning his lips. "A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion," I cried laughing merrily, even as I released my arm. "Why so much haste? I was near falling, and it was but courtesy which led the Sieur de Artigny to extend me his hand. It does not please me for you to be ever seeking a quarrel."
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