"You showed small interest as you stood on the stockade when we went
forth!"

"You mean when Captain de Croix and I leaned above the eastern
palisades?"

"Ay, not once did your eyes wander to mark our progress."

Her eyes were smiling now, and her face archly uplifted.

"Indeed, Master Wayland, little you know of the struggles of my heart
during that hour. Nor will I tell you; for the secrets of a girl must
be her own. But I marked each step you took onward toward the Indian
camp, until the night hid you,--the night, or else the gathering tears
in my eyes."

The sudden yawing of the boat before a gust of wind drew my thought
elsewhere, and kept back the words ready upon my tongue. When once
more I had my bearings and had turned back the plunging bow, she sat
silent, deep in thought that I hesitated to disturb. Soon I noted her
head droop slightly to the increased movement of the boat.

"You are worn out!" I said tenderly. "Lean here against me, and sleep."

"Indeed, I feel most weary," was her drowsy reply. "Yes, I will rest
for a few moments."

How clear remains the memory of those hours, while I sat watchful of
the helm, her head resting peacefully on my lap, and all about us those
lonely tossing waters! What a mere chip was our boat in the midst of
that desolate sea; how dark and dreary the changeless night shadows!
Over and over again I pictured the details of each scene I have here
set forth so poorly, to dream at the end of a final homecoming which
should not be alone. It was with heart thankful to God, that I watched
the slow stealing upward of the gray dawn as the early rays of light
crept toward us across the heaving of the waters. It was typical of
all I had hoped,--this, and the black shadows fleeing away into the
west. Brighter and brighter grew the crimsoning sky over the boat's
bow, where Burns lay sleeping, until my eyes could distinguish a
far-off shore-line heavily crowned with trees. I thought to rouse her
to the glorious sight; but even as I glanced downward into the fair
young face, her dark eyes opened in instant smile of greeting.

"'T is the morning," she said gladly, "and that dark, dark night has
passed away."

"For ever, Mademoiselle; and there is even a land of promise to be seen
out yonder!"

She sat up quickly, shading her eyes with her hand as she gazed with
eagerness toward where I pointed.

"Think you we shall find shelter and friends there?"

"The half-breed c