y displayed.

"You are wondrously aroused for the Frenchman's safety, Mademoiselle!"

"Yes, though not as you may fancy. Captain de Croix came here for my
sake, even though no word of mine gave him reason for doing so. For
this reason I could never forgive myself if harm befell him on such a
journey. 'T would be as if I had lured him to his death. So 'tis for
my sake, not his, that I ask the favor."

I leaned against the log wall and thought quickly, her anxious eyes
never leaving my face. There came into my mind a conviction that the
girl really loved him; and this made the struggle harder for me to
serve him. Nor did I see clearly how it could well be done, save
through a sacrifice of myself, such as I had never intended.

"Surely," she urged, "your wits will conceive some way in which it may
be done?"

"Yes," I answered, eager now to hide my own feeling from her; "'tis not
hopeless. You desire that he be kept within the Fort, ignorant of this
commission?"

"I do; 't is the only way."

"Very well, it shall be done, Mademoiselle. No, I need no thanks from
you. Only do this simple thing, which, I am sure, you will find no
hardship,--keep Captain de Croix from any possible contact with others
for an hour. Your eyes will prove sufficient, no doubt, to enchain him
that long; if not, use other measures."

"But what will you do?"

"That does not count. 'T is the result, not the means, that must
content you. I have my plan, and it will work; but I cannot stay here
longer to discuss it. Only do your part well, and I pledge you the
safety of De Croix."

I left her standing there, the light of questioning still in her eyes;
but I wished mainly to be safely away, where I might hide my own sudden
heart-ache in the energy of action.

CHAPTER XX

IN THE INDIAN CAMP

It cut me deeply to think that this girl would willingly sacrifice me
to save the French gallant from injury, and an anxiety to escape her
presence before I should speak words I might always regret caused me to
leave with scant ceremony. Yet I was none too soon; for scarce had I
stepped without the door when I met Lieutenant Helm ascending the steps.

"Ah, Wayland!" he said, catching sight of me, "do you happen to know
where I am most likely to find Captain de Croix?"

"He is scarcely to be disturbed at present, unless the matter be truly
urgent," I replied, my plan hastily sketched in mind. "Have you
arranged a banquet in honor o