he chief
thing in the girl's mind was regret that I had so hurt my chances; for
she knew, as I saw only too well afterwards, that I might have been
rewarded with a leaping promotion in honour of the success of the
journey. But though the boatmen got a gift of money and tobacco and
spirits, nothing came to me save the formal thanks of the governor, as
he bowed me from his presence.

"The nephew came with his sister to bid me farewell. There was little
said between her and me, and it was a long, long time before she knew
the end of that day's business. But the brother said, 'You've let the
chance go by, Mr. Fawdor. Better luck next time, eh? And,' he went on,
'I'd give a hundred editions the lie, but I'd read the text according to
my chief officer. The words of a king are always wise while his head is
on,' he declared further, and he drew from his scarf a pin of pearls and
handed it to me. 'Will you wear that for me, Mr. Fawdor?' he asked; and
I, who had thought him but a stripling with a saucy pride, grasped his
hand and said a God-keep-you. It does me good now to think I said it. I
did not see him or his sister again.

"The next day was Sunday. About two o'clock I was sent for by the
governor. When I got to the Post and was admitted to him, I saw that my
misadventure was not over. 'Mr. Fawdor,' said he coldly, spreading out a
map on the table before him, 'you will start at once for Fort Ungava, at
Ungava Bay, in Labrador.' I felt my heart stand still for a moment, and
then surge up and down, like a piston-rod under a sudden rush of steam.
'You will proceed now,' he went on, in his hard voice, 'as far as the
village of Pont Croix. There you will find three Indians awaiting you.
You will go on with them as far as Point St. Saviour and camp for the
night, for if the Indians remain in the village they may get drunk. The
next morning, at sunrise, you will move on. The Indians know the trail
across Labrador to Fort Ungava. When you reach there, you will take
command of the Post and remain till further orders. Your clothes are
already at the village. I have had them packed, and you will find there
also what is necessary for the journey. The factor at Ungava was there
ten years; he has gone--to heaven.'

"I cannot tell what it was held my tongue silent, that made me only
bow my head in assent, and press my lips together. I knew I was pale as
death, for as I turned to leave the room I caught sight of my face in a
little mirro