“I thought as much; the coward makes you pull his chestnuts from the fire. Do you give me the pledge?”
“Ay! although ’tis not my way to play sweet, when I should enjoy to wring the fellow’s neck. What was it La Barre said?”
I hesitated a moment, doubting how much I had better tell, yet decided it would be best to intrust him with the facts, and some knowledge of what I proposed to do.
“That just before he died my father’s property was restored to him by the King, but the Royal order was never recorded. It exists, but where I do not know, nor do I know as yet for what purpose it was concealed. My marriage to Cassion must have been an afterthought, for he is but a creature of La Barre’s. It is through him the greater villains seek control; but, no doubt, he was a willing tool enough, and expects his share.”
“Why not let me choke the truth out of him then? Bah! it would be easy.”
“For two reasons,” I said earnestly. “First, I doubt if he knows the true conspiracy, or can lay hands on the King’s restoration. Without that we have no proof of fraud. And second, coward though he may 120 be, his very fear might yield him courage. No, Uncle Chevet, we must wait, and learn these facts through other means than force. ’Tis back in Quebec, not in this wilderness, we will find the needed proofs. What I ask of you is, pretend to know nothing; do not permit Cassion to suspicion that I have confided in you. We must encourage him to talk by saying nothing which will put him on guard.”
“But he is already aware that you have learned the truth.”
“Of that I am not certain. It was the conversation between La Barre and Colonel Delguard which gave me the real cue. Of this Cassion may not have heard, as he entered the room later. I intended to proceed on that theory, and win his confidence, if possible. There is a long, tiresome journey before us, and much may be accomplished before we return.”
Chevet stood silent, his slow mind struggling with the possibilities of my plan. I could realize the amazement with which he comprehended this cool proposition. He, who had considered me a thoughtless girl, incapable of serious planning, was suddenly forced to realize that a woman confronted him, with a will and mind of her own. It was almost a miracle, and he failed to entirely grasp the change which had occurred in my character. He stared at me with dull eyes, like those of an ox, his lips parted as he sought expression.