Robert helped
him to put on the waistcoat and coat, as a group of men, Bigot, Cadet,
and Pean at their head, invaded the garden.
"What's this! What's this!" exclaimed Bigot, staring at the motionless
prostrate figure with the closed eyes.
Then de Galisonniere spoke up, and Robert was very grateful to him.
"It was done by Mr. Willet, as you see, sir, and if ever a man had
justification he has it. The quarrel was forced upon him, and, during a
pause, Boucher struck a foul blow, which, had it not been for Mr.
Willet's surpassing skill, would have proved mortal and would have
stained the honor of all Frenchmen in Quebec. Colonel de Courcelles will
bear witness to the truth of all that I have said, will you not, de
Courcelles?"
"Yes," said de Courcelles, though he shook in his uniform with anger.
"And so will Count Jean de Mezy. He too is eager to give testimony and
support me in what I say. Is it not so, de Mezy?"
"Yes," said de Mezy, the purple spots in his face deepening.
"Then," said the Intendant, "I see nothing left to do but bury Boucher.
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