t, exclaimed each at the
appearance of the other; Natalie, with remorseful sympathy, that she
had not sooner learnt the extent of Garth's bruises; and Garth with
delighted wonder at the freshness of her. Natalie was like the lake
in the early sunshine; neither showed the slightest trace of a storm
overnight.

While they were at their breakfast on the shore, a deplorable figure,
ashen-cheeked and shamed, came shuffling out of the bush. The eight
breeds, as one, instantly set up a merciless, derisive jeering. It was
Hooliam. He bore in his hands a little bottle and a bank-bill. Wretched
as he was, his eyes glinted with satisfaction at the sight of the boat
safe and sound on the shore. He went to Garth.

"Nick Grylls in the bush," he said, dully pointing back. "Him sick bad.
Maybe him die. Him give five dollar for drink of whiskey."

Garth filled the bottle from his flask. "Put up your money," he said
curtly.

XII

THE NINETY-MILE PORTAGE

The Settlement is upward of three miles from Grier's point. Avoiding
the houses for the present, Garth pitched his camp outside, well off
the trail. The first thing they learned was that the Bishop had gone on.
This time they were not surprised; there seemed to be a fatality in it.
The old problem confronted Garth anew.

"I think you should wait here," he suggested to Natalie; "and let me
ride on for you."

Natalie, as she always did when this question was brought up, merely
looked obstinate.

"It is likely we will miss him again at the Crossing," Garth went on;
"and I have learned there are only one or two cabins there, and no white
woman. It would be difficult for you."

Natalie's silence gave him no encouragement.

"But here," he urged, "you could stay with the wife of the inspector of
the mounted police; while I go on and bring Mabyn back to you. I do not
think you should put yourself in his hands."

"He would not come with you," she said evasively.

"I promise to bring him," said Garth determinedly; "if he is alive."

"No!" she said with manifest agitation. "That is another reason!"

"What is?" he asked mystified.

"I--I could not have any trouble between you," she said in a low tone.

"But I promise to bring him safely," he said doggedly.

She still shook her head.

"I will go to the wife of the inspector," said Garth--"a woman in such
a position is sure to be the right sort--and I will explain our position
frankly. She will be glad to take you in!"