of them. The larger portion of them travelled in our advance, under
command of one of their chiefs; a smaller detachment acting in similar
manner as a rear-guard. The white men, as well as the negro, who
controlled a pack animal heavily laden with his master's baggage, were
on horseback; and it pleased me greatly,--for I was young and easily
flattered,--to have Captain Wells rein in his horse at my side as soon
as we were safely across the ford, leaving the Frenchman either to
companion with Jordan or ride alone.

I looked at De Croix curiously, as he moved forward with slow
carelessness in our front, for he had kept the entire company waiting
outside the house for half an hour in the gray dawn while he curled and
powdered his hair. Doubtless this was what so disgusted Wells, whose
long black locks were worn in a simple queue, tied somewhat negligently
with a dark cord. I almost smiled at the scowl upon his swarthy face,
as he contemplated the fashionably attired dandy, whose bright-colored
raiment was conspicuous against the dark forest-leaves that walled us
round.

"I have heard it claimed these gay French beaux fight well when need
arises," he commented at last, thoughtfully; "but 't is surely a poor
place here for flaunting ribbons and curling locks. Possibly my fine
gentleman yonder may have occasion to test his mettle before we ride
back again. Sure it is that if that time ever comes he will not look
so sweet."

"You make me feel that we go forward into real peril," I said,
wondering that he should seem so fearful of the outcome. "Have you
special reason?"