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The other document was the sworn affidavit of Jules Beaubaou, a clerk of records, that he had seen and read a paper purporting to be a restoration from the King to the heirs of Captain la Chesnayne. It was signed and sealed. I looked up at the faces surrounding me; startled and frightened at this witness from the dead. "They are papers belonging to Chevet?" asked De Tonty. "Yes, Monsieur see.
"Ay! the witchery of it; 'tis like a haunting spirit." "Which did not haunt long, I warrant. I am Adele la Chesnayne, Monsieur." He stepped back, his eyes on mine, questioningly. For an instant I believed the name even brought no familiar sound; then his face brightened, and his eyes smiled, as his lips echoed the words. "Adele la Chesnayne! Ay! now I know. Why 'tis no less than a miracle.
'Twas told me in Quebec for what cause I cannot decide that you had returned to France. I had given up all hope, and that very fact made me blind to your identity. Indeed, I scarce comprehended that you were really Adele la Chesnayne, until we were alone together in the palace of the Intendant.
At Quebec I was but a plaything, but now he holds me worth the winning." "But why did you marry him, then?" "I am coming to that, Monsieur. You overheard what was said in La Barre's office about about my father's property?" "Ay! although it was not all clear to me. Captain la Chesnayne had lost his estates, confiscated by the Crown; yet before his death these had been restored to him by the King."
This order of restoration reached Quebec soon after La Barre was appointed Governor, and was never made public. It was suppressed by someone, and La Chesnayne was killed three months later, without knowing that he had won the favor of the King." "But Cassion knew; he was ever hand in glove with La Barre."
"Bah," he exclaimed at last, "the riddle is not so hard to read, although, no doubt the trick has been well played. I know Governor La Barre, and this Francois Cassion, for I have served under both, while Monsieur la Chesnayne was my Captain, and friend. I was not always a soldier, Madame, and once I sought holy orders, but the flesh was weak.
"We leave Quebec before dawn Tuesday," he said gaily. "It is my wish to enjoy once more the follies of civilization before plunging into the wilderness. The Governor permits that we remain to his ball. Mademoiselle la Chesnayne does me the honor of being my guest on that occasion." "I, Monsieur!" I exclaimed in surprise at his boastful words. "'Twas my uncle who proposed "
He thought me a helpless girl; he would find me a woman, and a La Chesnayne. The tears left my eyes, and my head lifted, as purpose and decision returned. We were skirting the northern bank, the high bluffs blotting out the stars, with here and there, far up above us, a light gleaming from some distant window, its rays reflecting along the black water.
"French women have always done their part, and I shall not fail. Explain to us your plan." His eyes brightened, and his hand sought mine. "The spirit of the old days; the words of a soldier's daughter, hey, Barbeau?" "A La Chesnayne could make no other choice," he answered loyally. "But we have no time to waste here in compliment. You know a safe passage, you say?"
In spite of his strange, uncouth appearance there was that in his face which won my favor, and I held out my hand. "You are a soldier of France, Monsieur de Artigny tells me." "Yes, Madame, of the Regiment Carignan-Salliers," he answered. "I wonder have you served long? My father was an officer in that command Captain la Chesnayne." The expression on the man's face changed magically.
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