myself of your safety.

"I know Monsieur Cassion, and of what he is capable, and felt that
some time there would occur between you a struggle--so at every
camping place, where it was possible, I have watched. It was for that
purpose I approached the Mission House. I gained glimpse within, and
saw Cassion asleep on a bench, and knew you had retired to the chamber
above. I was satisfied, and started to return to the camp. On my way
back I found Chevet's body at the edge of the wood. I discovered how
he had been killed--a knife thrust in the back."

"But you made no report; raised no alarm."

"I was confused, unable to decide what was best for me to do. I had no
business being there. My first impulse was to arouse the Mission
House; my second to return to camp, and tell the men there. With this
last purpose in view I entered the wood to descend the hill, but had
hardly done so when I caught sight of you in the moonlight, and
remained there hidden, watching your movements with horror. I saw you
go straight to the body, assure yourself the man was dead; then return
to the Mission House, and enter your room by way of the kitchen roof.
Do you realize what your actions naturally meant to me?"

I stared at him, scarcely able to speak, yet in some way my lips
formed words.

"You--you thought I did it?"

"What else could I think? You were hiding there; you examined the
body; you crept secretly in through the window, and gave no alarm."

The horror of it all struck me like a blow, and I covered my eyes with
my hands, no longer able to restrain my sobs. De Artigny caught my
hands, and uncovered my face.

"Do not break down, little girl," he entreated. "It is better so, for
now we understand each other. You sought to shield me, and I
endeavored to protect you. 'Twas a strange misunderstanding, and, but
for the accident to the canoe, might have had a tragic ending."

"You would never have told?"

"Of seeing you there? of suspecting you? Could you think that
possible?"

"But you would have been condemned; the evidence was all against
you."

"Let us not talk of that now," he insisted. "We have come back to a
faith in each other. You believe my word?"

"Yes."

"And I yours."

His hand clasp tightened, and there was that in his eyes which
frightened me.

"No, no, Monsieur," I exclaimed, and drew back quickly. "Do not say
more, for I am here with you alone, and there will be trouble enough
when Cassion returns."