that letter, so I can get away early in the morning. Davidson is
pretty anxious up river."

"Why, sure enough," the Major agreed. "I must not keep you longer than
is necessary."

Opening the envelope, which was marked with a big broad arrow, he drew
forth the paper within, unfolded it, and glanced rapidly over the
contents. As he did so, a serious expression overspread his face, and
he remained a minute or two lost in deep thought.

All this Jean had heard and seen from the door where she was standing
with the dishes in her hands. When, however, the Major began to read
the letter, she stepped outside, and placed the cups, saucers, and
plates upon the table. It was then that Dane first saw her, and his
eyes opened wide with surprise and admiration. Presently Jean turned,
and seeing the courier's ardent gaze, her eyes dropped, and a deep
flush of embarrassment suffused her face. This all happened in a few
seconds, but in that brief space of time that quaint little archer,
Cupid, had been busy, and two youthful hearts had been pierced by his
subtle arrows.

Never before had Dane beheld such a vision of loveliness and maidenly
charm. The girl fascinated him, and moved by a sudden impulse, he was
upon the point of going to her side, fearful lest she should vanish,
when the Major's voice restrained him.

"Come to the Fort early in the morning," he heard the officer say. "I
wish to have a talk with you there."

"I shall be on hand, and early at that," Dane replied.

With another fleeting glance toward the girl, he turned and moved
swiftly away toward the lake back in the hills.

CHAPTER IV

THE WARNING

Dane walked as in a dream along the trail to the lake. Something had
come into his life during the last half hour which had wrought a subtle
mystic change. He did not try to analyse it, as he had never
experienced such a feeling before. He only knew that back there where
the land slopes to the harbour he had beheld a vision which had
thrilled his entire being. The face and form of the girl with the
large questioning eyes were all that he saw as he hurried on his way.
Everything else was blotted from his mind, even the urgency of his
important mission. The spirit of the wild was upon him, and an
overmastering impulse was surging through his heart. He must see her
again; he must look upon her face; he must hear her speak. His passion
was intense. It was a living fire, the ardour of a great fi