irst speech, and whose mind had been running on it
throughout the ensuing discussion, "did you notice that girl? She's a
tearing little beauty!"

CHAPTER FOUR

By now it was nearly noon. The travellers carried the packs they had
made up down to the water-side where the canoe lay. Although the Indians
would not get under way until the following morning, it had been decided
to push on at once, thus avoiding the confusion of a crowded start.

In the course of the morning's business the news of their expedition had
noised abroad. Especially were they commiserated by the other runners
and post-keepers. During all the winter these men had lived under the
frown of the North, conducting their affairs confidently yet with
caution, sure of themselves, yet never sure of the great power in whose
tolerance they existed, in spite of whom they accomplished. Now was the
appointed time of rest. In the relaxation of the thought they found pity
for those ordered out of season into the Silent Places.

So at the river's bank Sam Bolton and Dick Herron, ready for departure,
found a group gathered. It was supposed that these men were to act as
scouts, to reconnoitre shrewdly in the Enemy's country, to spy out the
land, so that in the autumn the Company might throw into the wilderness
new posts, to be inhabited during the colder months.

"Look heem Bla'k Bevair Lak," advised Louis Placide; "I t'ink dose
Ojibway mak' heem lots marten, mink la bas."

"Lads," said Kern, the trader at Old Brunswick House, "if you're going
up th' Missinaibie just cast an eye on my _cache_ at Gull Lake, and see
that the carcajaus have let her be."

Young Herbert was curious. "Where are you headed, boys?" he inquired.

But Ki-wa-nee, the trusty, the trader at Flying Post, the only Indian in
the Company's service holding rank as a commissioned officer, grunted in
contempt at the question, while Achard, of New Brunswick House, motioned
warningly toward the groups of Indian trappers in the background. "Hush,
boy," said he to Herbert, "news travels, and in the south are the Free
Traders to snatch at a new country."

By now the voyageurs had turned their canoe over, slid it into the
water, and piled the duffle amidships.

But before they had time to step aboard, came Virginia Albret, then
seventeen years old and as slender and graceful as a fawn. The daughter
of the Factor, she had acquired a habit of command that became her well.
While she enunciated h