us consider the obstacles in our path--the matter of official
interference. The government will soon learn of your activities, and
the government is prone to look askance at any tampering with the
Indians by an institution not connected with the Church or the State."

"I have my permit," Chloe answered, "and many commendatory letters from
Ottawa. The men who rule were inclined to think I would accomplish
nothing; but they were willing to let me try."

"That, then, disposes of our most serious difficulty. Will you tell me
now where you intended to locate?"

"There is too much traffic upon the river," answered the girl. "The
scow brigades pass and repass; and, at least until my little colony is
fairly established, it must be located in some place uncontaminated by
the presence of so rough, lawless, and drunken an element. As I told
you before, I do not know where my ideal site is to be found. I had
intended to talk the matter over with the factor at Fort Rae."

"What! That devil of a Haldane? The man who is hand-in-glove with
Brute MacNair!"

"You forget," smiled the girl, "that until this day I never even heard
of Brute MacNair."

The man smiled. "Very true. I had forgotten. But it is fortunate
indeed that chance threw us together. I tremble to think what would
have been your fate should you have acted upon the advice of Colin
Haldane."