d eagerly. "I know the ropes. I
have the trick of mastering the breeds. I have money in the country. I
can do what I like."

"You wouldn't want me to simulate friendship for the purpose of using
you?" said Natalie.

"Yes, I would," he sullenly returned. "I'd take your good will on any
terms."

The difficulties of her position, it seemed to her, were increasing at
a frightful ratio. The fact that Garth might at any moment come face to
face with Grylls only added to her fears. But she gave Grylls no sign
of the weakness within.

"I can't make believe to be friendly," she said briefly. "I give it
gladly when I can."

"Show me what to do to be friends with you," he pleaded, not without
eloquence. "I have the time and the money and the determination to do
it--anything!"

But it was impossible Natalie should feel the slightest pity for a
creature of so gross an aspect. "I cannot show you," she said coolly.
"You must teach yourself."

Grylls began to be encouraged by his own rising passion. "All I ask is
a fair show," he said in a more assured voice. "Give me a chance as well
as this squib of a reporter you picked up in Prince George. What can
_he_ do for you? Let me take you to the Bishop. I can carry his whole
party through the country at a rate he never thought of!"

Downright anger now came to Natalie's aid. "My arrangements are made,"
she said curtly. "I do not care to change them."

Grylls's eyes quailed again under the direct look of hers; and a deeper
red crept under his skin. His tone changed. "If I can't help, I can
hinder," he muttered.

"Threats will not help you," said Natalie, instantly and clearly.

"You don't know what you're up against," he continued, still muttering,
"I tell you I carry the breeds in my pocket. No white man knows them but
me. I can hold you up wherever I please. I've only to give the word and
you'll starve on the trail--you and your reporter!"

Natalie arose. For the moment she was too angry to speak. The man looked
on her flashing beauty; and in the madness of his desire to possess it
he forgot his awe of her.

"God! How beautiful you are!" was forced from his breast like a groan.
"You poison a man's blood!" His speech came in thick blurts like
clotting blood. "What business have you got up here? This is no country
for the likes of you!... I was a strong man before you came; and since
I looked at you I'm sick ... sick ... sick ... you've stolen my manhood
out of me! Don't y