“But Cassion knew; he was ever hand in glove with La Barre.”
“We have cause to suspect so, and now, after listening 248 to your tale, to believe that Captain la Chesnayne’s death was part of a carefully formed plot. By accident the lady here learned of the conspiracy, through overhearing a conversation, but was discovered by La Barre hiding behind the curtains of his office. To keep her quiet she was forced into marriage with Francois Cassion, and bidden to accompany him on this journey to Fort St. Louis.”
“I see,” commented Barbeau shrewdly. “Such marriage would place the property in their control by law. Had Cassion sought marriage previously?”
His eyes were upon me as he asked the question, and I answered him frankly.
“He visited often at the home of my Uncle, Hugo Chevet, and, while he never spoke to me directly of marriage, I was told he desired me for his wife and at the palace he so presented me to Monsieur La Barre.”
“On pledge of Chevet, no doubt. Your uncle knew of your fortune?”
“No; he supposed me penniless; he thought it a great honor done me by the favorite of the Governor’s. ’Twas my belief he expected some reward for persuading me to accept the offer.”
“And this Chevet––what became of him?”
“He accompanied us on the journey, also upon order of Monsieur la Barre, who, no doubt, thought he 249 would be safer in the wilderness than in Quebec. He was murdered at St. Ignace.”
“Murdered?”