pulse quickened. He turned for a moment to see the effect of the
girl's appearance upon Gregson.

The artist's two hands had gripped his arm. They closed now until
his fingers were like cords of steel. His face was white, his lips
set into thin lines. For a breath he stood thus, while Miss
Brokaw's scrutiny traveled nearer to them. Then, suddenly, he
released his hold and darted back among the half-breeds and
Indians, his face turning to Philip's in one quick, warning
appeal.

He was not a moment too soon, for scarce had he gone when Miss
Brokaw caught sight of Philip's tall form at the foot of the pier.
Philip did not see the signal which she gave him. He was staring
at the line of faces ahead of him. Two people had worked their way
through that line, and suddenly every muscle in his body became
tense with excitement and joy. They were Pierre and Jeanne!

He caught his breath at what happened then. He saw Jeanne falter
for a moment. He noticed that she was now dressed like the others
about her, and that Pierre, who stood at her shoulder, was no
longer the fine gentleman of the rock. The half-breed bent over
her, as if whispering to her, and then Jeanne ran out from those
about her to Eileen, her beautiful face flushed with joy and
welcome as she reached out her arms to the other woman. Philip saw
a sudden startled look leap into Miss Brokaw's face, but it was
gone as quickly as it appeared. She stared at the forest girl,
drew herself haughtily erect, and, with a word which he could not
hear, turned to Bludsoe and her father. For an instant Jeanne
stood as if some one had struck her a blow. Then, slowly, she