Читать книгу The Crimson Sign - H. A. Cody - Страница 8

Table of Contents

The commander of Fort St. Joseph on the Nashwaak River was greatly troubled as he sat in his office poring over several papers lying on the table before him. They had been brought that day by a courier from Quebec, and contained special instructions from Count Frontenac. One, especially, caused his brow to knit with perplexity and his keen eyes to gleam with anger.

"The Governor is asking the impossible," he muttered. "He demands that I exert greater efforts to harry the New England coast and destroy the English forts. Mon Dieu! haven't I done everything in my power, and the raiders I sent thither have now come back practically defeated. The Indians are restless and want to return to the Meductic. I can't keep them any longer. What am I to do? I have explained my situation to the Governor, but he is merciless."

The commander rose to his feet, walked across the room to a window near the door and watched the scene in the large square outside. There he beheld a long row of Indians squatting upon the ground enjoying the food that was being given to them by a number of soldiers. An expression of annoyance overspread his face. To have their bodily appetites satisfied was all that interested these savages. So long as they were well supplied with food and presents they professed to be his friends. But he knew from considerable experience that on the slightest pretext they might turn against him and join the English. He had held them so far, but how long that would continue he could not tell. After this unsuccessful raid they were restless and anxious to return to their villages.

Sieur de Villebon remained at the window for some time in deep thought. His well-proportioned form was drawn to its full height, and his strong intellectual face was marked with care. He was dressed in full uniform, in keeping with his position, in order to impress the Indians. His grand appearance, wonderful dress, courteous manner and friendly words appealed strongly to their simple minds. But they also knew that behind his outward display and suave speech was a man of indomitable courage, with a heart of steel and a firm inflexible will, who could be very gentle to those who obeyed his commands, but revengeful and cruel to his enemies, or anyone who attempted to oppose him.

It was well that the natives could not read the heart of the commander as he stood watching them. To him they were nothing but contemptible pawns in the game he was playing. He fed and flattered them for their services alone. But he had greater ambitions than to remain for any length of time in charge of a small wilderness fort. He longed to be the ruler not only of Acadia, but New England, as well. His mind was set upon the capture of Boston, and the last band of raiders he had sent forth was merely to clear the way, destroy the English forts along the coast, preparatory to his great conquest. With such victories to his credit, his great ambition would be thus accomplished, and all, even his King, would be deeply impressed.

Now, however, his hope of supremacy was far from bright. The raiders had returned without accomplishing anything. They had been repulsed by Colonel Garland in their attack upon Fort Reliance, and the Indians had become discouraged. They had brought back only one captive, a girl, so he had been told, but his mind had been so greatly disturbed that he had not given her a second's thought. He had hoped for many captives and scalps, with news of victory to satisfy the Governor at Quebec. What was a lone girl to one who desired so much?

As Villebon thought of these things his heart became bitter within him. He longed for revenge. If he could not capture Boston and the forts along the coast, there were enemies not far away whom he was anxious to punish. The League of the Crimson Sign had been a thorn in his flesh for some time, but so far he had not been able to prevail against these independent rangers. He had offered a reward for the capture of Pete King, but nothing had been done, for the loyal Frenchmen and Indians alike were unwilling to attack the outlaws, as Villebon termed them. He often wondered why, and at times he became suspicious of his own men, especially Villieu. Although the latter was outwardly courteous and loyal, Villebon did not like his friendliness with Sieur de La Valliere, of Chignecto. It seemed as if the two were plotting against him, although he had no definite proof.

And the same was true of others. While he himself wrote letters to Count Frontenac, complaining about the D'Armours down river, he knew that they were doing the same about him. That he was watched, and everything he did was reported to the Governor, he was well aware. But he could do nothing to prevent this spirit of fault-finding and mutual recrimination. Yet what could he expect when it was nurtured at Quebec where Frontenac and the Intendent kept watch over each other, and made reports of all that transpired to the French ministry at home. It was, therefore, but natural that what took place at headquarters should be carried on in every outpost of Acadia.

As Villebon thus watched and meditated, he saw Villieu coming towards him. He frowned, for he was in no mood to receive the man he disliked. But when his lieutenant entered, the commander was seated at his table, apparently deep in the letters lying before him. He returned the salute his officer gave, and motioned him to a seat.

"Your visit is timely, Villieu, and I have been wondering why you did not come to me sooner."

"I do not like to be the purveyor of bad news, Monseigneur. I leave that to Foulette. It suits him better."

Villebon shot a swift glance at the tall haughty officer. He did not like the tone of his voice.

"Why have you come to me now, then? Have you any good news to offset the bad I have recently heard?"

Villieu smiled and stroked his black moustache.

"The Indians are anxious to see the commander. They wish to behold him in his full uniform of office, and listen to his words of wisdom before they leave for Meductic."

"Ah, I supposed that was why you came to see me. Yes, I shall go, presently. But they can wait a while. I am anxious to hear from you what happened along the coast."

"Hasn't Foulette informed you, Monseigneur?"

"He told me something, but I wish to hear what you have to say."

"I am afraid I can add very little. The whole affair was a failure. We tried to surprise several places but met with no success. The English were alert and well prepared."

"Did you make any attacks?"

"We had no chance until we reached Fort Reliance. We stormed the place, but were repulsed and lost several men. It was stronger than we imagined. We might have succeeded if some of the Frenchmen and Indians had not been so half-hearted."

"So that was the main reason. I had considerable difficulty in persuading the Indians to go on that raid. They are half inclined to favor the English, and they dislike fighting against them."

"You know the reason, Monseigneur?"

"I do. The English give them better prices for their furs. It is all due to Pete King and his gang of outlaws. They must be driven from the country. That League of the Crimson Sign must be crushed, and at once."

Villieu concealed a cynical smile as he listened to these emphatic words.

"And how is that to be accomplished, Monseigneur? We cannot persuade the Indians to undertake the task, and it would be folly for us to go against the rebels with the few men we have here. Is there not some better and easier way?"

"I know of none. Do you?"

"Why not come to some understanding with the League of the Crimson Sign? Establish trade boundaries. This country is surely large enough for all. Let Pete King carry on his trading to the north and east of the Saganic, and that would leave you all the vast region to the west with the Saint John River and its tributaries. That should be enough to satisfy any man."

"It would suit me, Villieu, but not Count Frontenac. He has ordered that the English be driven out of this country, so what am I to do? Here are letters I have received from him to-day, demanding that more drastic measures be taken against the enemy. And what irony that they have arrived at this time when you have returned from your unsuccessful expedition along the New England coast. If I had even several scalps to send to the Governor at Quebec they would prove to him that something is being done. But, Mon Dieu! I have nothing."

"Except a captive girl, Monseigneur."

"Ah! I had forgotten about her. Where is she?"

"With Gabriel Sorrell at Madame de Freneuse's place."

"Why did you leave her there?"

"She belongs to Sorrell, as he captured her. That is always the way, you know. The captor keeps his prize."

"Yes, yes, I know. But under the circumstances she should have been brought here. But, then, it doesn't matter. The news of the capture of several English forts, together with a string of scalps, would alone satisfy the Governor."

"Perhaps this girl might satisfy him."

"No. The Governor is not that kind of a man." Villebon's voice was sharp, and Villieu smiled.

"I did not mean that, Monseigneur. But if he knew that the girl is Colonel Garland's daughter it might somewhat appease him."

At these words Villebon forgot the dignity of his position and leaped to his feet. His astonishment was great, and his body trembled from his excitement.

"Colonel Garland's daughter!" he cried. "It can't be true. No, no."

"But it is, Monseigneur. She was captured and is now, no doubt, with Sorrell."

For a few seconds the commander stared at his officer, and then slowly resumed his seat. He seemed like a man in a dream.

"It must be true. Yes, yes. But tell me about it, Villieu. How did it happen? What strange circumstance would permit such a man as Garland to allow his daughter to be captured?"

"There is not much to tell. We surprised Fort Reliance, and came upon it from the woods. The attack was totally unexpected, so the Colonel's daughter and several others were making merry in a house a short distance away. Upon our approach they fled to the fort, and all escaped except the girl and an older woman. The latter tripped, and as the girl stopped to help her, she was captured by Sorrell."

"I see, I see," and Villebon stroked his pointed beard. "And what happened to the older woman?"

"You can easily guess, Monseigneur. She was not beautiful like the girl."

"I understand. But why was not her scalp brought to me?"

Villieu shrugged a shoulder.

"Would you offer the scalp of an old woman to Count Frontenac? You would be the laughing-stock of all at Quebec."

"True, true. But I am anxious to see Garland's daughter. Is she beautiful?"

"Words cannot describe her, Monseigneur. Her eyes, her face, her hair, the poise of her head, and her form, Mon Dieu! I cannot express what she is like. You must see her yourself and then you will know."

"I must, Villieu, and as soon as she can be brought here."

"But she belongs to Sorrell, and—"

Villebon interrupted him with an impatient gesture.

"I am commander here, remember, and my word is law. The girl must be brought to this fort, otherwise she may escape."

"That is impossible, Monseigneur. She is as safe with Sorrell as if she were here."

"I am not so sure of that. The D'Armours are not to be trusted. I have suspected them for some time of being in close touch with the League of the Crimson Sign. It would be quite easy for them to hand the girl over to Pete King and his gang."

He paused abruptly and remained lost in thought. Then his face brightened, and he struck the table with his right hand.

"I have it! Yes, I have it!" he exclaimed. "It is a great idea. I shall let the girl stay where she is for a few days and see what the D'Armours will do. If they attempt to effect her escape, I shall know for sure that they are traitors to me, and I shall deal with them according to their deserving. Look, Villieu, I want you to see that the girl is closely watched. Keep a sharp eye upon the D'Armours, too, especially the ones at the Jemseg. They are all cunning rascals, and Louis D'Armours and his wife annoy me greatly."

"What about Madame Louise at the Oromocto, Monseigneur? Can you trust her?"

A flush of annoyance overspread the commander's face.

"She is an Acadian Cleopatra, a she-devil, if ever there was one. Since her husband's death she has made no end of trouble. I don't know what to do with her. She keeps Count Frontenac informed of all that takes place here, and does everything in her power to injure me, while I am unable to retaliate."

"It's because of her remarkable beauty, Monseigneur. She fascinates everyone, both officers and men alike."

"She bewitches them, for she is in league with the devil. She influences Count Frontenac and the Intendent, as well, and they believe every word she says. But if I can catch her trying to effect Colonel Garland's daughter's escape, it may open their eyes. That is my only hope, so attend to the matter at once, Villieu. I must go to the Indians now, as, no doubt, they are becoming impatient."

The officer bowed, and was about to retire when Villebon detained him.

"Just a minute. Do you think there is any possibility of Colonel Garland coming to rescue his daughter?"

"Not the least. He knows what happened to Major Church when he attacked us."

"Quite true. But what will not a man do to save his daughter? Garland is a devil of a fighter, and the men he leads are the same. He would not make Church's mistake and come up the river in a grand style. Oh, no, he would come by way of Chignecto, enlist the aid of the League of the Crimson Sign, use the inland waterways, and sweep down upon us with a strong force. We must not be caught off guard, I wish you to see that most reliable couriers are immediately dispatched to keep strict watch upon Pete King's movements."

"I shall do what I can, Monseigneur, but it will be a risky task to send couriers out over the country, for Pete King's men are everywhere, and know all that is going on. However, I shall do what I can."

"I know it is risky, Villieu, but risks must be taken in times such as these. Send the men, anyway. It will be better for them to be busy than wasting their time idling here. And, by the way, find out what you can about de La Valliere, of Chignecto. He is a very ambitious man, and anxious to become governor of Acadia. I am suspicious of him. He would not hesitate to make use of the English if he thought he could further his designs?"

"You seem to have many enemies, Monseigneur."

"I have, indeed. I am surrounded by them, and at times I hardly know who are my friends."

As Villieu left the building, a peculiar expression gleamed in his eyes, which it was well for him that Villebon did not see and understand.