culty; and our journey will keep you
away from your business for some time," she observed.

"As to that, I've earned a little leisure; and I've been looking forward
to this trip ever since I left England. Now it's almost like being back
there again, only that in some ways it's even better."

So far as their surroundings might explain his satisfaction, Millicent
could frankly agree with him. The black spires of the cedars, towering
far above them, cut in rigid tracery against the splendors of the sunset
sky; one stretch of the river still shone with a saffron light; the rest,
which had grown dim, flowed through deepening shadow. Filmy mist trails
streaked the rugged hills and the hoarse clamor of a rapid quivered in
the cool air. Behind it all, there was something that set the lonely
scene apart from any other that the girl had looked upon--one could
realize that this was as yet an untamed and unsullied region. But her
companion was accustomed to the wilderness, so there must be, she
thought, another cause for his content.

"I am glad you do not grudge the time you may have to spend with us," she
said.

"Grudge it!" he exclaimed; and then, restraining himself, he broke into a
soft laugh. "You may accuse me of that feeling when you hear me grumble."

The ring in his voice had its meaning and it left her thoughtful. The
revelation was not altogether new; she had guessed his regard for her,
but she imagined that she could hold him at arm's length if it were
necessary. It was with him as it was with Nasmyth, and they were alike in
their self-restraint. Nasmyth had quietly accepted his dismissal when she
had shown him that it was irrevocable; and the Canadian would not trouble
her with futile complaints. She wondered if out of three suitors she had
not chosen the least desirable in some respects; but this could not be
admitted and she resolutely thrust the idea aside.

"There's a point I'd better mention," Lisle resumed in a matter-of-fact
tone. "I'm not going to follow the route of the first expedition from the
beginning. I've thought of a shorter and easier one; we'll strike the
other by the big portage and then follow it down."

"Are you afraid of wearing out your untried followers?"

"Well," he admitted, "I'm taking no risks that can be avoided this
journey."

She smilingly commended his caution, though she was conscious of a
desire, which must be held in check, to see what he would do if he could
be shaken out