"The buildings are to be very simple."

"Undoubtedly. But simplicity is relative. A building that would be
considered simplicity itself in the States, might well be intricate
beyond the possibility of construction here in the wilderness. Do you
realize that among our men is not one who can read a blue-print, or has
ever seen one? Do you realize that to erect buildings in accordance with
these plans would require a force of skilled mechanics under the
supervision of a master builder? And do you realize that time is a most
important factor in our present undertaking? Who can tell at what moment
Brute MacNair may swoop down, upon us like Attila of old, and strike a
fatal blow to our little outpost of civilization? And if he finds _me_
here--" His voice trailed into silence and his eyes swept gloomily the
northern reach of the river.

Chloe appeared unimpressed. "I hardly think he will resort to violence.
There is the law--even here in the wilderness. Slow to act, perhaps,
because of the inaccessibility of the wild country; but once its
machinery is in motion, as unbending and as indomitable as justice
itself. You see, I have read of your Mounted Police."

"The Mounted!" Lapierre laughed. "Yes--I see you have _read_ of them!
Had you derived your information in a more direct manner--had you lived
among them--if you _knew_ them--your childlike trust in them would seem
as absurd, perhaps, as it does to me!"

"What do you mean?" cried the girl, regarding the quarter-breed with a
searching glance. "That the men of the Mounted are--that they may
be--influenced?"