is eyes I should never forget, and so I persuaded myself
that he thus avoided me because he feared to anger Cassion. This was
not at all in accord with his nature as I understood it, yet the
explanation gave me a certain content, and I could find no better.
Thus we resumed our journey southward along the shore, but with
clouded skies overhead, and the water about us dull and gray.

CHAPTER XVII

THE BREAK OF STORM

We had no more pleasant weather for days, the skies being overcast and
the wind damp and chill. It did not rain, nor were the waves
dangerous, although choppy enough to make paddling tiresome and
difficult.

A mist obscured the view, and compelled us to cling close to the shore
so as to prevent becoming lost in the smother, and as we dare not
venture to strike out boldly from point to point, we lost much time in
creeping along the curves.

The canoes kept closer together, never venturing to become separated,
and the men stationed on watch in the bows continually called to each
other across the tossing waters in guidance. Even De Artigny kept
within sight, and made camp with us at night, although he made no
effort to seek me, nor did I once detect that he even glanced in my
direction. The studied indifference of the man puzzled me more than it
angered, but I believed it was his consciousness of guilt, rather than
any dislike which caused his avoidance. In a way I rejoiced at his
following this course, as I felt bound by my pledge to Cassion, and
had no desire to further arouse the jealousy of the latter, yet I
remained a woman, and consequently felt a measure of regret at being
thus neglected and ignored.

However I had my reward, as this state of affairs was plainly enough
to Monsieur Cassion's liking, for his humor changed for the better, in
spite of our slow progress, and I was pleased to note that his
watchfulness over my movements while ashore noticeably relaxed. Once
he ventured to speak a bold word or two, inspired possibly by my
effort to appear more friendly, but I gave him small opportunity to
become offensive, for the raw, disagreeable atmosphere furnished me
with sufficient excuse to snuggle down beneath blankets, and thus
ignore his presence.

I passed most of those days thus hidden from sight, only occasionally
lifting my head to peer out at the gray, desolate sea, or watch the
dim, mist-shrouded coast line. It was all of a color--a gloomy, dismal
scene, the continuance of which