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.”
“Oh, no; our interests are the same so far as the journey goes. I would reach St. Louis; so would you. Because we may have different ends in view, different causes to serve, has naught to do with the trail thither. There is not a man who knows the way as well as I. Four times have I traveled it, and I am not a savage, Monsieur––I am a gentleman of France.”
“And you pledge your word?”
“I pledge my word––to guide you safe to Fort St. Louis. Once there I am comrade to Sieur de la Salle.”
“Bah! I care not who you comrade with, once you serve my purpose. I take your offer, and if you play me false––”
“Restrain your threats, Monsieur Cassion. A quarrel will get us nowhere. You have my word of honor; ’tis enough. Who will compose the party?”
Cassion hesitated, yet seemed to realize the uselessness of deceit.