space for the tables. There were braided or
woven baskets of all sizes and every hue; there were beaded skins and
frippery of feathered gewgaws and moccasins and miniature canoes and
plaques of birch, hand carved. And subordinating all else, even the
scents and savors of the food, was the perfume of the sweet grass.

Outdoors, in a circle of torches, the band played merry airs.

"You should not be sad, mam'selle," reproved Father Leroque, who had
constituted himself Lida's squire at supper. "This is a very merry
occasion."

"I feel all the more as if I were intruding--bringing my troubles here."

The chatter of many voices made a shield for conversation between the
two. The priest hesitated for some time; then he made sure that nobody
was listening and leaned closer to her.

"I beg your pardon, mam'selle, if I seem presumptuous in touching on a
matter regarding which you have not given me your confidence. I may be
allowed to mention a bit of news. It came to me just before we sat down
to supper. News travels fast in this region, you may know. From mouth to
mouth it flies. Bateaus have come up the river, and the men of those
bateaus have listened to timber cruisers and have heard from the
drivers of tote teams who have come scattering through the woods below.
There is the news of an engagement. I trust I may be allowed to speak of
the news to you because it is my thought that you are the young lady
concerned."

She was not able to reply.

"And there is more news," he persisted. "Pardon me if I mention that,
too. It is my province to console those who are in trouble, as best I
may. Perhaps there is some way in which I can help you. I think highly
of young Latisan. I know him because my duties have taken me into the
Tomah region. There has been trouble between you and him--a
misunderstanding. Is there any way in which I can be a mediator--as his
friend?"

"He has gone away," she choked. "I don't know where he is. It was my
fault. If I could have explained, it might have helped, but he would not
wait to hear me through."

The priest's gentleness had conquered her resolution to keep her secret
till she reached the men of the Flagg drive. He perceived her bitter
need of sympathy.

"I respect confidences, even those given me outside the pale of my
church's confessional. Young Latisan is like his grandfather--tinder for
a stray spark. If I know your fault--if I can tell him, when I see him,
what you would have lik