Why, only yesterday, it seemed, Hugh Dutton was the very type of a stalwart woodlander, with the grace of a finished and untiring scholar, making the man unique. Now, if Adrian had done this thing, if his mere presence had so altered her beloved guardian, then let Adrian go! Her arms went round the man’s neck and her kisses showered upon his cheeks, his hands, even his bent white head. “Uncle, uncle! Don’t look like that! Don’t. He’s gone and shall never come back. Everything’s gone, hasn’t it? Even that irreparable past, of which I’d never heard. Why, if I’d dreamed, do you suppose I’d even ever have spoken to him? No, indeed. Why, you, the tip of your smallest finger, the smallest lock of your hair, is worth more than a thousand Adrians! I was sorry he treated me so rudely, but now I’m glad, glad, glad. I wouldn’t listen to him now, not if he said good-by forever and ever. I love you, uncle, best of all the world, and you love me. Let’s be just as we were before any strangers came. Come, let’s go out on the lake.” He smiled at her extravagance and abruptness. The times when they had gone canoeing together had been their merriest, happiest times. It seemed to her that it needed only some such outing to restore the former conditions of their life. “Not to-day, dearest.” “Why not? The potatoes won’t hurt, and it’s so lovely.” “There are other matters, more important than potatoes. I have put them off too long. Now--Margot, do you love me?” “Why--uncle?” “Because there is somebody whom you must love even more dearly. Your father.” “My--father! My father? Of course; though he is dead.” “No, Margot. He is still alive.” CHAPTER XIII CARRYING Pierre’s ill temper was short-lived, but his curiosity remained. However, when Adrian steadily refused to gratify it his interest returned to himself. “Say, I’ve a mind to go the whole way.” “Where?” “Wherever you’re going. Nothing to call me back.” “Madoc?” “We might take him along.” “Not if he’s sick. That would be as cruel to him as troublesome to us. Besides, you need go no further than yonder shore.” “Them’s the woods you got lost in.” “I know them better now.” “Couldn’t find your road to save your life.” “I think I could. Besides, you will be wanted at the island. I don’t think Mr. Dutton is a well man. With nobody but an old woman and a young girl he’ll need somebody. You’re not much good, still--” Pierre laughed. They had about reached the forest and he rested his paddle. “You hear me. I’m going to where you go. That was the master’s word. I wouldn’t dare not do it. If I did, my mother’d make me sorry. So that’s settled.”