those who take it as this man did, with spirit and knowledge, rob me of
my hold on myself, so that I show emotion of which I am ashamed. I
turned away. "Wait, wait, monsieur, I have not said all!" I cried.
"There is still one chance for you."

He shook his head. "Small chance for me with that swarm outside.
Well, what must come, will come." He was white, and his eyes grew even
more sombre; but, though his blood might play him traitor, his will was
unshaken. I saw that. I saw, too, that his manner had lost all
bravado. He suddenly came to me, and laid his hand on my arm. "I am
glad, monsieur, that it was you who came to tell me. It is much easier
to hear it from you. All day you have been thoughtful for me; for me,
a stranger and an enemy. I wish that my blessing might bring you
happiness, monsieur." And before I could check him, he raised my hand
to his lips.

I was greatly disturbed. "Stop! Stop! Stop!" I expostulated, too
much stirred to think what I was saying. "This is not the end. You
are to go west with me."

He drew away. "With you? Who are you? What is the west? You
said--you said that I had to die."

I felt unsteady, and ill at ease. "Let us discuss this like sane men!"
I exclaimed, angry at myself. "You jump at conclusions. That is a
woman's foible. Who am I? A trader, Armand de Montlivet, from
Montreal. I am going west for peltries. It will be a hard trip, and
you will suffer; but it is your only chance. I will get you to the
canoe in some fashion soon after dusk. I have not made my plans. I
must reconnoitre. Hold yourself ready to do what I ask."