been along all the boats, and there's not one of them I could take
without being heard except David Brown's canoe that is tied at the foot
of his father's field. I could get that, and I expect to be back here
long before it's light. If any one should come to the door asking for
me, you say, like the other night, that I'm ill and can't see them."

"Yes," said Christa, without exhibiting much interest. Ann had been the
_deus ex machina_ of the house since Christa's babyhood. It never
occurred to her that any power needed to interfere on behalf of Ann.

"But if I shouldn't get back by daylight, you'll have to manage to say a
word to David Brown. Tell him that I borrowed his canoe for a very
special purpose. If you just say that, he'll have sense not to make a
fuss."

"Yes," said Christa sleepily.




CHAPTER XIII.


The canoe did not answer to Ann's one slim Indian paddle so lightly as
the boat she had taken before had answered to the oars. Kneeling upright
in the stern, she was obliged to keep her body in perfect balance.

The moon did not rise now until late, but the smoke that had for two
days hung so still and dim had been lifted on a light breeze that came
with the darkness. The stars were clear above, and Ann's eyes were well