“Yes, the Sieur de Artigny.”
Chevet grasped my arm, and in the glare of the fire I could see his excitement pictured in his face.
“Who? That lad? You were in hiding there together? And did he realize what was said?”
“That I do not know,” I answered, “for we have exchanged no word since. When my presence was discovered, De Artigny escaped unseen through the open window. I need to meet him again that these matters may be explained, and that I may learn just what he overheard. It was to enlist your aid that I sent for you.”
“To bring the lad here?”
“No; that could not be done without arousing the suspicion of Cassion. The two are already on the verge of quarrel. You must find some way of drawing the Commissaire aside––not tonight, for there is plenty of time before us, and I am sure we are being watched now––and that will afford me opportunity.”
“But why may I not speak him?”
“You!” I laughed. “He would be likely to talk with you. A sweet message you sent him in Quebec.”
“I was drunk, and Cassion asked it of me.”