"'Tis the best way on a boat voyage," assuming his old manner, "but now the day is nearly done." "So late as that! You will make camp soon?" "If that be Cap Sante yonder, 'tis like we shall go ashore beyond. Ay! see the smoke spiral above the trees; a hundred rods more and we make the turn. The fellows will not be sorry, the way they ply the paddles." He leaned over and shook Chevet. "Time to rouse, Hugo, for we make camp. Bend to it, lads; there is food and a night's rest waiting you around yonder point. Dig deep, and send her along." As we skirted the extremity of shore I saw the opening in the woods, and the gleam of a cheerful fire amid green grass. The advance canoe swung half-hidden amid the overhanging roots of a huge pine tree, and the men were busily at work ashore. To the right they were already erecting a small tent, its yellow canvas showing plainly against the leafy background of the forest. As we circled the point closely, seeking the still water, we could perceive Altudah standing alone on a flat rock, his red blanket conspicuous as he pointed out the best place for landing. As we nosed into the bank, our sharp bow was grasped by waiting Indians and drawn safely ashore. I reached my feet, stiffened, and scarcely able to move my limbs, but determined to land without the aid of Cassion, whose passage forward was blocked by Chevet's huge bulk. As my weight rested on the edge of the canoe, De Artigny swung down from behind the chief, and extended his hand. "A slight spring," he said, "and you land with dry feet; good! now let me lift you--so." I had but the instant; I knew that, for I heard Cassion cry out something just behind me, and, surprised as I was by the sudden appearance of De Artigny, I yet realized the necessity for swift speech. "Monsieur," I whispered. "Do not talk, but listen. You would serve me?" "Ay!" "Then ask nothing, and above all do not quarrel with Cassion. I will tell you everything the moment I can see you safely alone. Until then do not seek me. I have your word?" He did not answer, for the Commissaire grasped my arm, and thrust himself in between us, his action so swift that the impact of his body thrust De Artigny back a step. I saw the hand of the younger man close on the knife hilt at his belt, but was quick enough to avert the hot words burning his lips. "A bit rough, Monsieur Cassion," I cried laughing merrily, even as I released my arm. "Why so much haste? I was near falling, and it was but courtesy which led the Sieur de Artigny to extend me his hand. It does not please me for you to be ever seeking a quarrel." There must have been that in my face which cooled him, for his hand fell, and his thin lips curled into sarcastic smile.