to return his morning optimism.
His arrival broke the fetters of silence, and even Susep Nicola joined
in the chatter which the priest kept stirring.

Lida kept her gaze on the floor and saw the broad shaft of sunlight
shift slowly and relentlessly, marking the passage of precious time.

"I must go," she said, suddenly, looking into the countenance of Nicola.

"Yes."

"I'm afraid I ought to have been on my way before."

"It's for you to say when you go; you are welcome here," he returned. "I
have waited for you to say." It was according to his code of
hospitality--the guest must indicate desire. He rose. His wife brought
to Lida the jacket and the cap. But the chief picked up the Flagg cant
dog and carried it when he led the way to the door.

Father Leroque seemed to understand what was in Lida's mind just then.
"You are worried about how you are to travel, is it not so? You do not
need to ask, mam'selle!" He bowed her to the door.

In front of the sachem's house hung a broad disk of tanned moosehide in
a frame. Nicola pounded on the makeshift gong with a mallet. Men
assembled quickly in front of him, coming as if they had expected the
summons.

"You know. I have told you," said the chief. He stroked his hand over
the totem mark on the cant dog handle. "You know how our brother has
been the good friend of the Tarratines on this river."

One step in advance of the others of the throng stood Felix Lapierre,
the bridegroom.

"How many?" asked the chief.

"Twenty," said Felix. "And all very much happy to do the good service."

The priest smiled into the amazed eyes of the girl. "For your
conveyance? Ah no, mam'selle. For your good help on the drive. They are
rivermen--the best. Felix Lapierre leads them and you shall see for
yourself what a king of the white water he is. He will be your
right-hand man on the drive. It is all very fine, eh, mam'selle?"

She was staring from face to face, overwhelmed. She could not reply.

"We talk it over--him and me--last night," said Nicola, indicating the
priest by a respectful bow. "It's for my brother, and the blood of my
brother." He bowed to her.

"And all so very happy," repeated Felix. His black eyes sparkled and he
flung up his hands in the gay spirit of emprise. "You must not care
because some have run away. They would not be good in a crew if they
feel that way now. We feel good. We shall work for you; we are your
men."

The big matter, this astounding making