Even Frontenac himself could not help him, for the
order had come from the French minister.
CHAPTER XVII
THE GIFT OF A CAPTIVE
Fortune had not been kind to Iberville, but still he kept a stoical
cheerfulness. With the pride of a man who feels that he has impressed a
woman, and knowing the strength of his purpose, he believed that Jessica
should yet be his. Meanwhile matters should not lie still. In those
days men made love by proxy, and Iberville turned to De Casson and
Perrot.
The night before he started for France they sat together in a little
house flanking the Chateau St. Louis. Iberville had been speaking.
"I know the strength of your feelings, Iberville," said De Casson, "but
is it wise, and is it right?" Iberville made an airy motion with his
hand. "My dear abbe, there is but one thing worth living for, and that
is to follow your convictions. See: I have known you since you took me
from my mother's last farewell. I have believed in you, cared for you,
trusted you; we have been good comrades. Come, now, tell me: what would
you think if my mind drifted! No, no, no! to stand by one's own heart is
the gift of an honest man--I am a sad rogue, abbe, as you know, but I
swear I would sooner let slip the friendship of King Louis himself than
the hand of a good comrade. Well, my sword is for my king. I must obey
him, I must leave my comrades behind, but I shall not forget, and they
must not forget.
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