u are too suspicious, and I really do not see what difference it
makes what he is; we shall get to know the country and----"

"Miss our way back."

"You think that it is all a trap?"

"I do."

"You will see that you are wrong."

"I hope so, but I am going forward a little."

Eben did not wait for permission, but ran ahead of the party like a
wild boy out for a holiday.

The Canadian called him back, but Eben professed not to hear.

In a few minutes he was seen running back toward them.

"Where have you been, Eben?"

"In the forest."

In a lower voice he said:

"There are three houses just ahead, and I am sure I saw a redcoat at
one of the doors."

Did the Canadian hear him, or did he judge by intuition?

"Did you see the houses?" he asked Eben, and the question was
translated.

"Yes, and I saw a man with a red coat."

"That is good; my brother has got home. He always wears a red shirt.
I am so glad."

And to prove his joy he began singing loudly, and through the trees
came back the echo of the refrain.

"That is Jacques; I should know his voice wherever I heard it," said
the Canadian, resuming his singing as soon as he had uttered the words.

"Please turn back," pleaded Eben.

"You silly fellow, what harm can we come to?"

Although Allen spoke lightly he whispered to his followers to have
their pistols ready in case of a surprise.

All saw the houses, poor, miserable dwellings they were, too, but such
as were often met with in the woods of Canada.

"Here we are!" cried out the Canadian, "and monsieur shall soon see the
skins. Will he pay a good price for them?"

"Yes, if they are what I require."

"They will be."

There was no sign of life at the house, though the guide called:

"Jacques--Jacques!"

"Where can he have got to? Enter, monsieur, and I will find the man
who has the skins."

Allen, followed by the others, entered the house, which seemed to
consist of one room and an extension kitchen downstairs, and a room
upstairs.

In a few minutes a man dressed in a red shirt entered, and said his
brother had sent him to entertain them, as he would be detained getting
some skins he believed the messieurs wanted.

Everything seemed so quiet and innocent that even Eben was inclined to
think he had been unjustly suspicious.

But while Jacques chattered--and he did so rattle along that it was
quite impossible for anyone to get in a word--there was a movement
outside which was om