Had I not tested it with my own ears never would I have believed a hundred men could have made way so noiselessly in the dark, through such thick forest, rock strewn and deeply rutted. Yet not a sound of their stealthy passage was wafted back to us on the wind––no echo of voice, no rasping of foot, no rustle of leaves. Ghosts could not have moved more silently. Some way the very thought that these grim savages were thus creeping forward to attack, and kill, their hearts mad with hate, wild beasts of prey stalking their victims, yielded me a strange feeling of horror. I 383 clung to De Artigny’s arm, shrinking from the shadows, my mind filled with nameless fear.
“Adele,” he whispered, tenderly, “you still fear for me in this venture?”
“Yes, Monsieur.”
“There is no need. You heard La Forest say he bore orders of the King which gave De Tonty command once more of Fort St. Louis.”
“Yes, Monsieur; but you have already been tried and condemned. Even if they have not authority to shoot you here, they have power to transport to Quebec.”
“There would be battle first, if I know my old comrades well. No, as to that there is no cause to fear. I shall be given fair trial now, and welcome it. My fear has been for you––the vengeance of Cassion, if ever you came within his grasp again. But that also is settled.”
“Settled? What is it you would tell me?”
“This, sweetheart; you should know, although I would that some other might tell you. La Forest whispered it to me while we were alone yonder, for he knew not you were estranged from your husband. He bears with him the King’s order for the arrest of M. Cassion. Captain de Baugis is commissioned by La Barre to return him safely to Quebec for trial.”
“On what charge?”