r parley. Nay,"
warming up as I noted the hot-headed gallant preparing for speech, "nor
is this all we should have to contend with. Above, along the upper
river, there are at least three other expeditions of Spanish soldiery.
They are warned of De Noyan's escape, already guarding every junction.
Suppose we succeeded--which in itself would be a miracle--in cutting
our way out from here, could we hope to distance a twelve-oared boat
racing against the current, or escape a clash with those others? I
know the difference between a bold dash and the utter foolhardiness
such a hopeless venture as this would be."

"_Sacre_! you appear strangely over-cautious all at once," and I
detected a covert sneer in the Chevalier's low, drawling tone. "The
Spaniard's blade must have let out the best of your blood. Were you a
soldier, now, instead of a mere forest rover, the odds you mention
would only serve to stir you into action."

"Pardon, Monsieur," I said quietly, holding my temper, "it may be I
have seen harder service than some who boast loudly their soldiership.
It requires more than a gay dress, with some skill in the
fencing-schools, to make a soldier in my country, nor do I believe you
will ever find me lagging when a proper time comes to strike blows."

"So I supposed until now; yet 'tis evident you would have us continue
toiling for weeks against this foul current rather than strike one
quick blow, and be free from the mess."

"Nay, Monsieur," my voice coming stern in rebuke of his rashness, "you
are wrong. You know perfectly well, De Noyan, I risk my life readily
as any man in a good cause. I have ranged the woods since boyhood,
long accustomed to border broil and battle--there is scarcely an Indian
trail between the Great Lakes and the country of the Creeks I have not
followed either in peace or war. I have faced savage foemen in battle,
and crossed steel with those of your own school, and although I may
wear no glittering gold lace, nor sport a title with which to dazzle
the imagination of a girl, yet the man venturing to sneer at my
courage, either amid the wilderness, or in the town, makes answer for
the speech, whenever I come to my strength again."

"Always at your service, Monsieur," he murmured gently, "with the
greatest pleasure."

"Very well then," I went on, barely noting his words, yet marking the
look of distress on the face of his young wife, and despising him for
it. "Understand this, Monsieur--