“Thick as flies out there, Monsieur,” he answered, 325 “and with a marksman or two among them. Not ten minutes since Bowain got a ball in his head.”
“And no orders to clear the devils out?”
“No, Monsieur––only to watch that they do not form for a rush.”
The Commandant’s office was built against the last stockade––a log hut no more pretentious than the others. A sentry stood at each side of the closed door, but De Tonty ignored them, and ushered me into the room. It was not large, and was already well filled, a table littered with papers occupying the central space, De Baugis and De la Durantaye seated beside it, while numerous other figures were standing pressed against the walls. I recognized the familiar faces of several of our party, but before I recovered from my first embarrassment De Baugis arose, and with much politeness offered me a chair.
De Tonty remained beside me, his hand resting on my chair back, as he coolly surveyed the scene. Cassion pushed past, and occupied a vacant chair, between the other officers, laying his sword on the table. My eyes swept about the circle of faces seeking De Artigny, but he was not present. But for a slight shuffling of feet, the silence was oppressive. Cassion’s unpleasant voice broke the stillness.
“M. de Tonty, there is a chair yonder reserved for your use.”
“I prefer remaining beside Madame Cassion,” he answered calmly. “It would seem she has few friends in this company.”
“We are all her friends,” broke in De Baugis, his face flushing, “but we are here to do justice, and avenge a foul crime. ’Tis told us that madame possesses certain knowledge which has not been revealed. Other witnesses have testified, and we would now listen to her word. Sergeant of the guard, bring in the prisoner.”
He entered by way of the rear door, manacled, and with an armed soldier on either side. Coatless and bareheaded, he stood erect in the place assigned him, and as his eyes swept the faces, his stern look changed to a smile as his glance met mine. My eyes were still upon him, seeking eagerly for some message of guidance, when Cassion spoke.