marks of honour. Nor did he forget the frequent pipe of peace, made
possible to all by generous gifts of tobacco. Anyone can found a kingdom
abaft the Barren Grounds with tobacco, beads, and red flannel.

For very many weeks it was a happy kingdom. But presently Pierre yawned,
and was ready to return. Three of the half-breeds were inclined to go
with him. Jose and Little Babiche had formed alliances which held them
there--besides, King Macavoy needed them.

On the eve of Pierre's departure a notable thing occurred.

A young brave had broken his leg in hunting, had been picked up by a band
of another tribe, and carried south. He found himself at last at Fort
O'Angel. There he had met Mrs. Whelan, and for presents of tobacco, and
purple and fine linen, he had led her to her consort. That was how the
king and Pierre met her in the yard of Fort Comfort one evening of early
autumn. Pierre saw her first, and was for turning the King about and
getting him away; but it was too late. Mrs. Whelan had seen him, and she
called out at him:

"Oh, Tim! me jool, me king, have I found ye, me imp'ror!"

She ran at him, to throw her arms round him. He stepped back, the red of
his face going white, and said, stretching out his hand, "Woman, y'are me
wife, I know, whativer y' be; an' y've right to have shelter and bread av
me; but me arms, an' me bed, are me own to kape or to give; and, by God,
ye shall have nayther one nor the other! There's a ditch as wide as hell
betune us."

The Indians had gathered quickly; they filled the yard, and crowded the