Robert chafed, nevertheless.  The Inn of the Eagle was a good inn, but he did not wish to spend an entire day within its walls.  Young Captain Louis de Galisonniere solved the problem, arriving just after breakfast with a note addressed to Mr. Robert Lennox, which proved to be an invitation for all three of them from Monsieur Francois Bigot, Intendant of Canada, to attend a dinner given by him that evening at his palace.  The letter was full of polite phrases.  The Intendant had heard of young Mr. Lennox’s surpassing skill with the sword, and of his success with Count Jean de Mezy, who wielded a good blade himself.  But neither the Intendant nor those associated with him bore any ill will.  It was well known that Mr. Lennox was accredited with letters to the Marquis Duquesne, but in the absence of the Governor General it would be the pleasure of the Intendant to show courtesy to the messenger of the Governor of the Province of New York and his comrades.

It was a full and abounding letter, swarming with polite phrases, and it appealed to Robert.  Bigot might be corrupt, but he belonged to the great world, and Robert felt that since he had come to Quebec he ought to see the Intendant, his palace and what was done within its walls.  It was true that they had evaded suggestions to meet him, but a formal invitation was different.  He passed the letter to Willet, who read it and handed it to Tayoga.

“We’ll have to go, Robert,” said the hunter.  “It’s evident that Bigot wants us, and if we don’t accept he may make trouble for us.  Yes, it’s wiser to go.”

Robert’s eyes shone and Willet noticed it.

“You’d have been disappointed if I had counseled a negative,” he said.

“I would,” said Robert frankly.  “I’m looking forward to the dinner with the Intendant.  Will you be there, Captain de Galisonniere?”

“Yes, and I’m glad you’ve accepted.  Mr. Willet was right when he said it was wisdom to go.  The Intendant is the most powerful man in Canada.  ’Tis said that the Governor General, the Marquis Duquesne, will return to France before long, and hence he lets a part of his authority slip into the hands of Monsieur Bigot.  You understand the dual nature of our government in Canada.  The Governor General is the immediate personal representative of the King, but the Intendant is supreme over the courts, finance, commerce and all the civil affairs of the country.  So a mighty power is lodged in his hands and it’s also true here, as well as elsewhere, that he who holds the purse holds more than the sword.”

“Will Colonel de Courcelles and Captain de Jumonville be there?” continued Robert.

“Undoubtedly.  They belong to the military arm, of course, but they are both favorites of Bigot, and they neglect no opportunity to strengthen their position with him.  Be careful what you say before them.”

Robert thanked him for his caution, although it was not needed, as he had already resolved to be very wary in the presence of de Courcelles and Jumonville, and the Onondaga also made a mental note of it, knowing that de Courcelles was willing to plot in the dusk with a savage Ojibway.