“Wait men!” he said sternly. “’Tis no time, with Iroquois about, to start a quarrel, yet if a hand be laid on this lad here in anger, we, who are of La Salle’s Company, will protect him with our lives––”
“You defend a murderer?”
“No; a comrade. Listen to me, Cassion, and you De Baugis. I have held quiet to your dictation, but no injustice shall be done to comrade of mine save by force of arms. I know naught of your quarrel, or your charges of crime against De Artigny, but the lad is going to have fair play. He is no courier du bois to be killed for your vengeance, but an officer under Sieur de la Salle, entitled to trial and judgment.”
“He was my guide; I have authority.”
“Not now, Monsieur. ’Tis true he served you, and was your engagé on the voyage hither. But even in that service, he obeyed the orders of La Salle. Now, within these palisades, he is an officer of this garrison, and subject only to me.”
De Baugis spoke, his voice cold, contemptuous.
“You refuse obedience to the Governor of New France?”
“No, Monsieur; I am under orders to obey. There will be no trouble between us if you are just to my men. La Barre is not here to decide this, but I am.” He put his hand on De Artigny’s shoulder. “Monsieur Cassion charges this man with murder. He is an officer of my command, and I arrest him. He shall be protected, and given a fair trial. What more can you ask?”
“You will protect him! help him to escape, rather!” burst out Cassion. “That is the scheme, De Baugis.”