I was recalled to actualities by a light touch on the sleeve of my
shirt, and a half-laughing, half-petulant voice at my elbow.

"Well, Master Laggard! do I not show you great honor in thus seeking
you out, after your avoidance of me all these hours?"

I glanced aside into the fair face and questioning eyes, noting at the
same time that De Croix stood only a step beyond her in the shadows.

"I have been very busy, Mademoiselle," I tried to explain; "it has been
a time when every strong hand was needed."

"Fudge!" was the indignant rejoinder. "Did I not perceive you
loitering more than once to-night,--though each time I drew near,
hopeful of a word of greeting, it was to behold you disappear as if by
magic? Do I flatter you by thus showing my interest? Yet 't was only
that I might have explanation, that I sought you thus. Come, confess
that you feared my just resentment for going forth on so perilous a
trip without telling me of your plans."

"'T was not altogether that," I answered, for dissembling was never an
easy task for me, "as I only did what I believed would most please you.
Nor have I anything to regret in my action, now that we have thus
gained the pledge of the Pottawattomies for protection upon the march."

She watched me closely as I spoke, and I wondered if she realized ever
so dimly the impulse of loving service that had inspired my deed.
Whether 't was so or not, her whole mood quickly changed.

"I must admit you are a constant puzzle to me, John Wayland,--yet
rather an interesting one withal. For instance, here is Josette, who
did assure me but an hour ago that your very name was unknown to her,
although, if memory serves, you asserted only yesterday that you were
seeking her from the Maumee country. Perhaps, sir, you can explain the
contradiction?"

"It was not altogether as you have stated it, Mademoiselle," I
stammered, confused by the directness of her attack. "I said nothing
of knowing this Josette, and you have deceived yourself in the matter.
I came here seeking a young girl, 't is true, but found no trace of her
until a few hours ago, most curiously, in the heart of that Indian camp
yonder."

"You found her there? How strange!"

"Most strange indeed, Mademoiselle, especially as she appeared to enjoy
perfect liberty among the savages."

"You spoke with her?"

"Not a word; it was only a glimpse I caught of her in the firelight,
and when I sought to go to her the warriors int