send, and they took him to their
hearts and made him as one of themselves. That he and the Colonel's
daughter were in love with each other they were not slow in learning.
But there was no rude chaffing as the two walked a little apart from
the rest. They were men noble enough to respect the sacredness of a
first great love.

There was much rejoicing among the women and children when the men
returned to the settlement with the moose. It had been skinned and
carefully divided. Some carried their portions, while others bore
theirs suspended on poles from shoulder to shoulder. Thus for the
first time since leaving their old homes did the exiles have a
sufficient supply of meat.

A new life now pervaded the settlement. During the following days and
weeks the men roamed the forest-clad hills and valleys in search of
game. Directed by Dane, they soon became quite skilful hunters,
especially the Colonel, who was never happier than when out in the
woods. Then around the big camp-fire at night, the men would relate
their thrilling and humorous experiences during the day.

This was a pleasant time for Dane. He had shifted his camping-place
from the lake to the shore of the creek, and here he had built for
himself a small abode, covering the roof and sides with wide strips of
birch bark to keep out the rain. He was very skilful at such work, and
a happy afternoon it was for him when he first showed Jean his finished
cabin. They had come by water, and the bow of the canoe was resting
upon the shore. It was here that they had met three weeks before, and
under the big maple Dane had erected his little building. The tree had
put on its scarlet bunting, and touched by the bright September sun,
glowed its welcome to the young lovers.

Jean examined the cabin most carefully, and her admiration was
unbounded.

"I think it is splendid!" she enthusiastically exclaimed. "You never
told me anything about it."

"I wanted to surprise you," Dane explained. "I have been so busy with
other things that I have had little time to work here, so only finished
it a few days ago."

"And will you live here all the time?" Jean eagerly asked.

The young man smiled as he looked fondly upon the girl's animated face
and sparkling eyes. Then he shook his head.

"I wish I could live here, Jean. But I have a dozen such cabins in
various places, and I must spend some time in them during the coming
winter. They are my stopping-places, y