"And so," ventured the good wife, amiably, "you iss likely de sister from Hugo Ennis, ma'am?" Madge's fork clattered down upon her enamel-ware plate. "No," she said. "I--of course I'm not his sister." "Excoose me. He don't nefer tell nobody as he vas marrit, Hugo didn't. Ve vas alvays tinking he vos a bachelor mans, yoost like most of dem young mans as come to dese countries." "But--but I'm not his wife, either!" cried Madge, nervously. "I--I don't yoost understand, den," said the good woman, placidly. "Oh! mebbe you help grub-stake him vhile he vork at de rocks for dat silfer and you come see how he gettin' along. Ve tank he do very vell." "Yes, Hugo he got some ore as is lookin' very fine, all uncofered alretty," Stefan informed her. "Und it's such a bretty place he haf at de Falls." The man doubtless referred to the scenery but Madge was under the impression that he was speaking of the house in which this Ennis lived. It was strange that he had said nothing to these people, who evidently knew him well, in regard to the reason of her coming. It was probably a well-meant discretion that had guided his conduct, she thought, but it had caused her some little embarrassment. "In his letter Mr. Ennis said that I was to come straight to this place, to Carcajou. He told me that I would be taken to his house at Roaring River Falls, that I might see it. I--I suppose there is a village up there or--or some houses, where I may stay." Stefan stared at her, scratching his touzled yellow head, and turned to his wife, who was looking at him as she poised a forkful of fat bacon in the air, forgetfully. "Maybe de leddy means Papineau's," he said. "But if Hugo Ennis he say for her to come then it is all right, sure. Hugo vould do only vhat is right. He is my friend. He safe my life. So if he don't turn up by de time ve finish breakfast I hitch up dem togs an' take you dere real qvick. Mebbe he can't come for you, some vay. Mebbe Maigan hurt or sick so he can't pull toboggan. You vant to go, no?" "I--I suppose so," faltered the girl. "I--I must see him, as soon as possible, and--and...." "Dat's all right," interrupted Stefan. "So long you vants to go I take you up dere. No trouble for to do anyting for Hugo and his friends. De dogs is strong an' fresh. Ve go up there mighty qvick, I bet you, ma'am."