xpressed their common thought.

"Wouldn't it be sweet," she said wistfully, "if our journey had no other
object but to see this! With what satisfied hearts we could now turn
back!"

Skirting the edge of the steep, presently the Settlement came into view
far below, a hut or two along the river, hugging the base of the cliffs.
The trail zigzagged gradually down, frequently doubling on itself; and
whereas the eagle might have descended in a minute, it promised to be
more like half an hour for them.

Garth, following his previous policy, did not intend to expose Natalie
to the stares of the Settlement, until he had at least reconnoitred.
Before coming on the houses, therefore, he led his little caravan off
through the bush to the left; and descended to the shore of the smaller
stream they had seen from above. Here, in a private glade beside the
noisy brown water, they pitched their camp; and Garth, leaving Natalie
armed against all eventualities, proceeded into the Settlement.

His inevitable first question at the store elicited the information that
the Bishop had gone up the river to Binchinnin, Ostachegan Creek and Fort
St. Pierre. Next, the name of Herbert Mabyn called forth contemptuous
shrugs. None of the men could give certain information of his whereabouts,
though Clearwater Lake was mentioned again. He had not been in to the post
for four months; and there was a handful of letters waiting for him.
Garth was referred to the breeds across the river for better news. It was
clearly intimated that all self-respecting white men had cast Mabyn off.

Inquiring the means of crossing the river, the ferry was pointed out
to Garth, a barge propelled with sweeps. It must be tracked up-stream
for a quarter of a mile before starting across, to allow for the current,
he was told. The trader offered to help him when he was ready. Garth
thanking him, privately resolved to cross before the Settlement was
astir next morning. He saw that his own reticence in answering questions
inspired the three simultaneously with the idea that he was a detective
from outside, in pursuit of Herbert Mabyn for some early sin; and he let
it go at that.

* * * * *

Garth roused Natalie long before dawn; and they crossed the river by the
first greenish light of the East. Garth handled one sweep, Natalie the
other; and their labour was great. The incorrigible Timoosis, who never
neglected an opportunity to make trouble,