ve Altudah standing alone on a
flat rock, his red blanket conspicuous as he pointed out the best
place for landing. As we nosed into the bank, our sharp bow was
grasped by waiting Indians and drawn safely ashore. I reached my feet,
stiffened, and scarcely able to move my limbs, but determined to land
without the aid of Cassion, whose passage forward was blocked by
Chevet's huge bulk. As my weight rested on the edge of the canoe, De
Artigny swung down from behind the chief, and extended his hand.

"A slight spring," he said, "and you land with dry feet; good! now let
me lift you--so."

I had but the instant; I knew that, for I heard Cassion cry out
something just behind me, and, surprised as I was by the sudden
appearance of De Artigny, I yet realized the necessity for swift
speech.

"Monsieur," I whispered. "Do not talk, but listen. You would serve
me?"

"Ay!"

"Then ask nothing, and above all do not quarrel with Cassion. I will
tell you everything the moment I can see you safely alone. Until then
do not seek me. I have your word?"

He did not answer, for the Commissaire grasped my arm, and thrust
himself in between us, his action so swift that the impact of his body
thrust De Artigny back a step. I saw the hand of the younger man close
on the knife hilt at his belt, but was quick enough to avert the hot
words burning his lips.

"A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion," I cried laughing merrily, even as I
released my arm. "Why so much haste? I was near falling, and it was
but courtesy which led the Sieur de Artigny to extend me his hand. It
does not please me for you to be ever seeking a quarrel."

There must have been that in my face which cooled him, for his hand
fell, and his thin lips curled into sarcastic smile.

"If I seemed hasty," he exclaimed, "it was more because I was blocked
by that boor of a Chevet yonder, and it angered me to have this young
gamecock ever at hand to push in. What think you you were employed
for, fellow--an esquire of dames? Was there not work enough in the
camp yonder, that you must be testing your fancy graces every time a
boat lands?"

There was no mild look in De Artigny's eyes as he fronted him, yet he
held his temper, recalling my plea no doubt, and I hastened to step
between, and furnish him excuse for silence.

"Surely you do wrong to blame the young man, Monsieur, as but for his
aid I would have slipped yonder. There is no cause for hard words, nor
do I thank you for making