“I have not seen him, M’sieu.”
Menard turned to the priest.
“Good-morning, Father. You are on time, I see; and that is more than we can say for Danton. Where is the boy?”
“He has gone for Mademoiselle St. Denis, Captain. He was here before the sunrise, checking up the stores.” 84
“Learning to work, is he? That is a good sign. And how about yourself? Did you pick up anything yesterday?”
“Yes,” replied the priest. “I enquired at the Mission about Teganouan and his companions.”
“Well?”
“Nothing is known of them. Teganouan had been one of the worst drunkards among the Onondagas, and his conversion, a year ago, was thought to be one of our greatest victories for the faith. His penances were among the most complete and purging ever––”
“And the others?”
“Just before I left the Mission for Quebec, Teganouan went on an errand to the city and fell among some of our fellow-countrymen who were having a drinking bout. For a few days after that he wavered, and fell again. Once afterward he was seen in company with two low fellows, coureurs de bois, who have since been confined under suspicion of communicating with the enemy.”