is hand, but made no effort to
stop me, as I dropped him a curtsey, and retreated. But he was there
still when I glanced back from out the safety of the tent, his
forehead creased by a frown. When he finally turned away the map was
crushed shapeless in his fingers.

The morning dawned somewhat warmer, but with every promise of a storm,
threatening clouds hanging above the water, sullen and menacing, their
edges tipped with lightning. The roar of distant thunder came to our
ears, yet there was no wind, and Cassion decided that the clouds would
drift southward, and leave us safe passage along the shore. His canoe
had been wrenched in making landing the evening before, and had taken
in considerable water during the night. This was bailed out, but the
interior was so wet and uncomfortable that I begged to be given place
in another boat, and Cassion consented, after I had exhibited some
temper, ordering a soldier in the sergeant's canoe to exchange places
with me.

We were the last to depart from the mouth of the stream where we had
made night camp, and I took more than usual interest, feeling oddly
relieved to be away from Cassion's presence for an entire day. The man
irritated me, insisting on a freedom of speech I could not tolerate,
thus keeping me constantly on defense, never certain when his audacity
would break bounds. So this morning it was a relief to sit up, free of
my blanket, and watch the men get under way.

We may have proceeded for half a league, when a fog swept in toward
the land enveloping us in its folds, although we were close enough to
the shore so as to keep safely together, the word being passed back
down the line, and as we drew nearer I became aware that De Artigny's
boat had turned about, and he was endeavoring to induce Cassion to go
ashore and make camp before the storm broke. The latter, however, was
obstinate, claiming we were close enough for safety, and finally, in
angry voice, insisted upon proceeding on our course.

De Artigny, evidently feeling argument useless, made no reply, but I
noticed he held back his paddlers, and permitted Cassion's canoe to
forge ahead. He must have discovered that I was not with Monsieur, for
I saw him stare intently at each of the other canoes, as though to
make sure of my presence, shading his eyes with one hand, as he peered
through the thickening mist. This action evidenced the first
intimation I had for days of his continued interest in my welfare, and
m