“Does not Callons know?”
“Only that, seeking refreshments, he left her, and found her gone on his return. Her wraps are in the dressing room.”
“Then ’tis not like she has fled the palace. No doubt she awaits you in some corner. I will have the servants look, and meanwhile pay heed to me. This is a mission of more import than love-making with a maid, Monsieur Cassion, and its success, or failure, will determine your future. You have my letter of instruction?”
“It has been carefully read.”
“And the sealed orders for Chevalier de Baugis?”
“Here, protected in oiled silk.”
“See that they reach him, and no one else; they give him an authority I could not grant before, and should end La Salle’s control of that country. You have met this Henri de Tonty? He was here with his master three years since, and had audience.”
“Ay, but that was before my time. Is he one to resist De Baugis?”
“He impressed me as a man who would obey to the letter, Monsieur; a dark-faced soldier, with an iron jaw. He had lost one arm in battle, and was loyal to his chief.”