the darkness by the wall of the lodge, slanting from
his head against the heavens.

A little way beyond at the ashes of a fire a warrior stirred, lifted a
head, and peered toward the tepee of captives; then, satisfied that
all was well, lay down again to slumber. Back and forth, back and forth
paced the solitary watcher. De Courtenay within was quivering from head
to foot with the knowledge that something was happening. As he stood so
the pacing figure halted a moment before the opening.

"S-s-t!" it whispered; "warn Ma'amselle!" then walked away.

Swift on the words another figure crept noiselessly to the lodge door.

"M'sieu," said Edmonton Ridgar, beneath his breath, "give me the
factor's shoulders. Do you take his feet and follow,--softly, for your
life. Bring the maid."

De Courtenay stepped back, groped for Maren, took her head in his hands,
and brought her ear up to his lips.

"Rescue!" he breathed; "Ridgar and Dupre. We carry our friend of the
fort here. Follow."

He loosed her and bent to lift McElroy.

With all her courage leaping at the turn, Maren quietly raised the flap
and in a moment they were all outside among the sleeping camp.

With measured tread Dupre came up to them, walked with them as they
moved silently back, and was on the turn when Maren touched his arm.

"This way," she whispered; "straight ahead."

One more step,--two,--the youth took beside her. It seemed that the
heart within him was breaking in his agony. The shadows of the wood were
drawing very near, the chances of escape multiplying with every step.

Another sweet moment of nearness and the misty white figure beside him
would fade into the darkness forever, pass forever out of his sight.

Dearer than all the joys of Paradise was that black head, that wondrous
face with its strength and its tenderness so adoringly mingled. The one
supreme thing in all the universe was this woman,--and she was passing.
With an involuntary motion he touched her softly and she stopped
instantly, even at that great moment. It thrilled through him, that
quick perception of his desire.

"Ma'amselle," he whispered, "fare thee well!"

She caught his hand swiftly, pulling him forward. "Eh?" she said. "What
mean you?"

There was startled anxiety in her voice and the heart of Dupre leaped
exultantly.

"Naught," he lied bravely, "save that I must hang behind for a moment or
so to cover any sound with my sentry's step, but I cannot part from you