lamented that they could not accept the invitation, being obliged to
hurry on to Albany, where a larger party would give them escort on a
long westward journey.

The head of the house took up his bow, as if musing on the ball, and
Annabel de Chaumont wriggled her feet faster and faster. Tireless as
thistledown that rolls here and there at the will of the wind, up she
sprang and began to dance. The children watched her spellbound. None of
us had ever seen the many figures through which she passed, or such
wonderful dancing. The chimney was built of logs and clay, forming
terraces. As if it was no longer possible for her to stay on the ground
she darted from the bench-end to the lowest log, and stepped on up as
fearlessly as a thing of air, until her head touched the roof. Monsieur
Grignon played like mad, and the others clapped their hands. While she
poised so I sat up to watch her, and she noticed me for the first time
by firelight.

"Look at that boy--he has been hurt--the blood is running down his
cheek!" she cried. "I thought he was an Indian--and he is white!"

She came down as lightly as she had gone up, and caused me to be haled
against my will to the middle of a bench. I wanted the women to leave me
alone, and told them my head had been broken two days before, and was
nearly well. The mothers, too keen to wash and bandage to let me escape,
opened a saddle pack and tore good linen.

George Croghan stood by the chimney, slim and tall and handsome. His
head and face were long, his hair was of a sunny color, and his mouth
corners were shrewd and good natured. I liked him the moment I saw him.
Younger in years than I, he was older in wit and manly carriage. While