re really noted my
surroundings, but now I glanced about, actuated by a vague curiosity.
The hut contained two rooms, the walls of squared logs, partially
concealed by the skins of wild animals, the roof so low I could almost
touch it with my hand.

A table and two chairs, rudely made with axe and knife, comprised the
entire furniture, but a small mirror, unframed, hung suspended against
the farther wall. I glanced at my reflection in the glass, surprised
to learn how little change the weeks had made in my appearance. It was
still the face of a girl which gazed back at me, with clear, wide-open
eyes, and cheeks flushed in the firelight. Strange to say the very
sight of my youthfulness was a disappointment and brought with it
doubt. How could I fight these men? how could I hope to win against
their schemes, and plans of vengeance?

I opened the single window, and leaned out, grateful for the fresh air
blowing against my face, but unable to perceive the scene below
shrouded in darkness. Far away, down the valley, was the red glow of a
fire, its flame reflecting over the surface of the river. I knew I
stared down into a great void, but could hear no sound except a faint
gurgle of water directly beneath. I closed the window shutter, and,
urged by some impulse, crossed over to the door leading to the other
apartment. It was a sleeping room, scarcely more than a large closet,
with garments hanging on pegs against the logs, and two rude bunks
opposite the door. But the thing which captured my eyes was a bag of
brown leather lying on the floor at the head of one of the bunks--a
shapeless bag, having no distinctive mark about it, and yet which I
instantly recognized--since we left Quebec it had been in our boat.

As I stood staring at it, I remembered the words of De Baugis, "your
husband has been my guest." Ay, that was it--this had been Cassion's
quarters since his arrival, and this was his bag, the one he kept
beside him in the canoe, his private property. My heart beat wildly in
the excitement of discovery, yet there was no hesitation; instantly I
was upon my knees tugging at the straps. They yielded easily, and I
forced the leather aside, gaining glimpse of the contents.

CHAPTER XXVII

I SEND FOR DE TONTY

I discovered nothing but clothes at first--moccasins, and numerous
undergarments--together with a uniform, evidently new, and quite
gorgeous. The removal of these, however, revealed a pocket in the
leathe