rst moment I have been left
alone--if, indeed, I am now." And I glanced about doubtfully into the
shadows of the forest.

"You imagine you may have been followed here? By whom? Cassion?"

"By himself, or some emissary. Pere Allouez has been my jailor, but
chances to be disabled at present. The Commissaire permitted me to
climb here alone, believing you to be safely camped above the rapids,
yet his suspicions may easily revive."

"His suspicions!" the Sieur laughed softly. "So that then is the
trouble? It is to keep us apart that he bids me make separate camp
each night; and assigns me to every post of peril. I feel the honor,
Mademoiselle, yet why am I especially singled out for so great a
distinction?"

"He suspects us of being friends. He knew I conferred with you at the
convent, and even believes that you were with me hidden behind the
curtain in the Governor's office."

"Yet if all that be true," he questioned, his voice evidencing his
surprise. "Why should our friendship arouse his antagonism to such an
extent? I cannot understand what crime I have committed, Mademoiselle.
It is all mystery, even why you should be here with us on this long
journey? Surely you had no such thought when we parted last?"

"You do not know what has occurred?" I asked, in astonishment. "No one
has told you?"

"Told me! How? I have scarcely held speech with anyone but the
Algonquin chief since we took to the water. Cassion has but given
orders, and Chevet is mum as an oyster. I endeavored to find you in
Montreal, but you were safely locked behind gray walls. That something
was wrong I felt convinced, yet what it might be no one would tell me.
I tried questioning the _pere_, but he only shook his head, and left
me unanswered. Tell me then, Mademoiselle, by what right does this
Cassion hold you as a captive?"

My lips trembled, and my eyes fell, yet I must answer.

"He is my husband, Monsieur."

I caught glimpse of his face, picturing surprise, incredulity. He drew
a sharp breath, and I noted his hand close tightly on the hilt of his
knife.

"Your husband! that cur! Surely you do not jest?"

"Would that I did," I exclaimed, losing all control in sudden wave of
anger. "No, Monsieur, it is true; but listen. I supposed you knew;
that you had been told. It is hard for me to explain, yet I must make
it all plain for you to understand. I do not love the man, his very
presence maddens me, nor has the creature dared as yet to lay ha