The Black Wolf's Breed

or's messenger. It appeared that my dress at best was unlike that worn at the court; my fringed leather leggings, hunting knife and long sword differed much fr

, to M. de Serigny? I h

nd regarded me curiously. I felt my f

him at his apartments. Pass through yonder great gate,

seemed dressed more for bridals than for battles. I held my peace though, walking steadily onward as directed, yet itching to stick my sword into some of t

and hard fighters, too, wearing great frizzled wigs outside their natural hair, with ruffles on their sleeves and perfumed laces at their throats-but I had generally discredited such tales. Here was a man dressed more gaily th

ee the King's colors before? Where h

b, leggings and service cap, as I had been at his sil

ten of the King's Guard, but never have

r straps he unbent s

st the rank

ince of Louisiana. I pray you direct me to the apartm

rned and himself guided me through the many intricate halls and passages until we reache

I could find my way along the bayou paths of Louisiana the darkest night God ever sent, for there at least I would have through the trees the glimmer of a friendly star to

into an immense gallery, gaily decorated, and thronged with the ladies and gentlemen of the court. I could not make much s

them were white images of some substance like unto the Holy Mother at the shrine in Montreal. Some of these graven stones were in semblance of

I paid no heed to their foolish gibes, there being no man among them. It irked me more than good sense would admit, and I left the

King walked much in that way, and so, forsooth, must all his lords and ladies go. Perhaps it was the fashion of the court

t the contemplation of a vast bronze basin filled with curious brazen beasts, half men half fishes, the like of which I had never seen. Some had horns from which they

of as queer a cut as his nether garme

aid anoth

il a dapper little chap, all plumed and belaced

?" and behind me rang out the m

back full gladly would I have retired, had not the you

us see the cu

mp, and looking not for insult, are slow to anger, so I o

where

most arrogantly and stamping his foot

Brienne-for that was his name-mistaking my hesitation, advanced and laying his hand upon my cloak w

p instantly, and, furious, drew his sword. I felt my own wrath rise at sight

of thine what mann

ut, raising his arm

hy coat, or I'll sp

so I only answered him, "Nay, I'll wear my cloak," when he made a quick lunge at me. I know not that he meant me serious injury, but taking no risk my blade came readily, and catchin

lood was up, and I ached to teach him a lesson, "I can

y cheeks, for I feared a woman, but their merriment qu

rince: "How dare you, sir, lead such a throng of revellers into the King's own gardens? Is not your own house of de

tly grimace at his royal uncle, which set them all a-laughing. Whereat all these noble lords and ladies made g

those of the rising sun. I marvelled at this, for the name of Louis had been held

g man; thou hast

to tell me I faced the King. That face, stamped on his every golden na

name,

fluttering in the wind. For a period I completely lost my tongue, could see nothing but the blazing cross of the Holy Ghost, the red order of St. Louis, upon the Monarch's

sharply demande

le's Guards, Province of Louisiana, ma

r to-morrow," and he strutted

nist proven himself a man at heart. He quickly move

hough but an indifferent one in these peaceful ti

m to present me to his friends. First among these, de Brienne presented me to His Royal Hi

d Duke of Maine, I thought, rival of Orleans for the Regency. The ladies I would have willingly escaped, but they would not hear of it, and soon I was surrounded by a chattering group, asking a thous

ny, a brother of Bien

e I could muster, knowing naught of such matters. A brisk walk fetched me to Serigny's side. In a few words I communicate

wave of his perfumed handkerchief, "time for business a

pended? His foppish manner impressed me very disagreeably, and, in no pleasant frame of mind, I stalked along by his side listen

d the keenest interest. After satisfying himself of my identity and glancing through

w days, to-morrow, probably. Chamillard is against us; he seems all powerful now; the King loves him for his truculence. But these will help, yes, these will help." And again he ran through

protest. "To-morrow we must act. We must gain the King's own ear. These must not go through the department of war. Chamillard wil

the King," I blurted

ted in unconcea

d determined to wade through; besides I loved my ol

he garden, or enough to let him understand

e grows suspicious with age, and doubts even his ministers. It is quite possible he may question you of affairs in the colonies. If so, speak

y trickery of the court in order that

s accused in the vulgar mind of poisoning all who may come between himself and the throne, save this Anjou child, who will probably die of sheer weakness. The King has recently had his de Montespan children legitimated and rendered capable of inheriting the crown, though the legality of this action is bitterly contested by the Orleanists. He has also, it is said, left a will in favor of the Duke of Maine, giving him all real power, while nominally making Orleans the Regent. And strange as it may seem, it is said this will was made at the persistent request of de Maintenon, so viciously hated by the proud de Montespan. But you know she was the teacher of this little Duke, and they are very much attache

s seat to examine at leisure the dispatches I had brought. He was evidently not entire

her cripple husband. If we could only make this plain to Louis; this stirring up of strife. Fancy a son of de Montespan on the throne of France. Yes, yes, ye

sion of his countenance he resembled his famous brothers, Iberville, Sauvolle

with the nature of these di

al, and from my knowledg

rust you." My face flushed h

about this court whom you can trust. There is an adventure of grave importance up

ied my a

ith the Spanish agent at Paris. Cellamare, the Spanish Ambassador, is concerned in the intrigue. This much we know from letters which have fallen into my hands, and I have permitted them to be delivered rather than

tally repeated, where

ons, and a chart of all the navigable waters of Louisiana. We can not afford to let

ed a stric

ver, and no other is expected for months, so we

eeded, the name "Yvard" again fixed my attention. The very name I had heard mentioned by one of the men

s want to return in her. Now you can see what I want. You can understand what a help you may possibly be in this matter. You do

of my own suspicions, childishly thinking I would gain the greater

would lose what little hold we now have upon him. It is not an easy or an agreeable task. The Spanish spy bears the name of Carne Yvard, a man of good birth, but a gambler and a profligate. He is known throughout Paris as a reckless gamester, but no man dare question him, because of his marvellous skill with the sw

entertainment. In a strange city to hunt up and dispossess a man like

must wait the pleasure of the King concerni

I lodged wi