That one glimpse I had into his eyes told me this in a sudden revelation stronger than any words. I smiled at the recollection, the sense of power reawakening in my heart. He did care--no less than I cared, and this knowledge gave me the weapon I needed, and the courage to use it. I heard no sound of warning, yet as I turned to retrace my way to the camp below, I became suddenly aware of the presence of Cassion. CHAPTER XIII WE REACH THE LAKE He was between me and the deer trail, and enough of daylight yet remained to enable me to perceive the man clearly. How long he may have been there observing me I could not know, but when I first saw him he was bent forward, apparently deeply interested in some sudden discovery upon the ground at his feet. "You thought me long in returning, Monsieur?" I asked carelessly, and taking a step toward him. "It was cooler up here, and the view from the bluff yonder beautiful. You may gain some conception of it still, if you care." He lifted his head with a jerk, and stared into my face. "Ay! no doubt," he said harshly, "yet I hardly think it was the view which held you here so long. Whose boot print is this, Madame? not yours, surely." I glanced where he pointed, my heart leaping, yet not altogether with regret. The young Sieur had left his trail behind, and it would serve me whether by his will or no. "Certainly not mine," and I laughed. "I trust, Monsieur, your powers of observation are better than that--'tis hardly a compliment." "Nor is this time for any lightness of speech, my lady," he retorted, his anger fanned by my indifference. "Whose is it then, I ask you? What man has been your companion here?" "You jump at conclusions, Monsieur," I returned coldly. "The stray imprint of a man's boot on the turf is scarcely evidence that I have had a companion. Kindly stand aside, and permit me to descend." "_Mon Dieu_! I will not!" and he blocked my passage. "I have stood enough of your tantrums already in the boat. Now we are alone, and I will have my say. You shall remain here until I learn the truth." His rage rather amused me, and I felt not the slightest emotion of fear, although there was threat in his words, and in the gesture accompanying them. I do not think the smile even deserted my lips, as I sought a comfortable seat on a fallen tree trunk, fully conscious that nothing would so infuriate the man as studied indifference. "Very well, Monsieur, I await your investigation with pleasure," I said sweetly. "No doubt it will prove interesting. You honor me with the suspicion that I had an appointment here with one of your men?" "No matter what I suspicion." "Of course not; you treat me with marked consideration. Perchance others have camped here, and explored these bluffs." "The print is fresh, not ancient, and none of the men from my camp have come this way."