“It is true, then, that the Iroquois have word of our plans?”
“It would seem so. He said that a war party which started weeks ago for the Illinois country had been recalled. A messenger was sent out but a few days before he came away.”
Menard slowly shook his head.
“This word should go to the Commandant,” he said. “How about your Indians at the Mission, Father Claude? They have not French hearts.”
“Ah, but I am certain, M’sieu, they would not break faith with us.” 12
“You can trust them?”
“They are Christians, M’sieu.”
“Yes, but they are Iroquois. Have none of them gone away since this news reached Quebec?”
“None, save one poor wretch whose drunkenness long ago caused us to give up hope, though I––”
“What became of him? Where did he go?”