and at one of the inner corners of the room was placed
a low uncurtained bed, that exhibited marks of having
been lain in since it was last made. On a chair at its
side were heaped a few dark-looking garments, the precise
nature of which were not distinguishable at a cursory
and distant glance.

Such were the more remarkable features of the apartment
into which our adventurers were now ushered. Both looked
cautiously around on entering, as if expecting to find
it tenanted by spirits as daring as their own; but, with
the exception of the daughter of their conductor, whose
moist black eyes expressed, as much by tears as by smiles,
the joy she felt at this unexpected return of her parent,
no living object met their enquiring glance. The Canadian
placed a couple of rush-bottomed chairs near the fire,
invited his companions to seat themselves until he had
completed his preparation for departure, and then, desiring
Babette to hasten supper for the young hunters, quitted
the room and descended the stairs.




CHAPTER II.

The position of the young men was one of embarrassment;
for while the daughter, who was busied in executing the
command of her father, remained in the room, it was
impossible they could converse together without betraying