that he might reach the priest before it should be altogether
too late.

A slight repast that night, which was made from some fragments which
he had carried in his pocket, a few hours' sleep, and another slight
repast on the following morning, made from an early bird which he had
shot when it was on its way to get its worm, served to prepare him
for the journey before him.

The Indians informed him that the Strait of Canso was now not more
than a day and a half distant. The news was most welcome to Claude.
The Strait of Canso seemed like a place where the priest would be
compelled to make some sort of a halt, either while waiting for a
chance to cross or while making a detour to get to Canso. For his
part, he would have one great advantage, and that was, that he would
not be compelled to think about his course. All that he had to do was
to follow the track before him as rapidly and as perseveringly as
possible.

All that day Claude hurried onward without stopping to halt, being
sustained by his own burning impatience, and also by that same hope
which had supported him on the preceding day. But it was, as before,
like the pursuit of an _ignis fatuus_, and ever the objects of his
pursuit seemed to elude him.

At length, towards the close of the day, they reached a river, and
the trail ran along by its side for miles, sometimes leaving it, and
again returning to it. The path was broad, the woods were free from
underbrush, and more open than usual.

Suddenly the guide stopped and looked forward, with the instinct of
his Indian caution. But Claude had one idea only in his mind, and
knowing well that there could be no enemy now, since Cazeneau was out
of the way, he hurried onward. Some moving figures attracted his
gaze. Then he saw horses, and some men and women. Then he emerged
from the trees, bursting forth at a run into an open place which lay
upon the river bank. One glance was sufficient. It was the priest and
his party. With a cry of joy he rushed forward. The others saw him
coming. The priest turned in amazement; for he had no idea that
Claude was so near. Before he could speak a word, however, the young
man had flung himself into his arms, and the priest returned his
embrace with equal warmth. Claude then turned to Mimi, who was
standing near, and in the rapture of that meeting was on the point of
catching her in his arms also; but Mimi saw the movement, and
retreated shyly, while a mantling blush over her lo