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It was Louis Laplante's signal that Diable and the squaw were coming back. At the sound, mother and child started up in alarm. Then they saw me standing in the open way. A gasp of fright came from the white woman's lips. I could tell from her voice that she was all a-tremble, and the little one began to whimper in a smothered, suppressed way. I whispered one word "Miriam!"
Passing Seven Oaks, I saw some of the Hudson's Bay men, who had remained burying the dead not removing them. That was impossible after the wolves and three days of a blistering sun. I told Hamilton of neither Le Grand Diable's death, nor Louis Laplante's promise. He had suffered disappointments enough and could ill stand any sort of excitement.
And so, altogether apart from his services as guide, I felt Louis Laplante's presence on the river a distinct advantage. "The Lord is with us, lad. She shall be delivered! The Lord is with us; but don't you bungle His plans!" ejaculated Father Holland for the twentieth time; and each time the French trapper looked waggishly over his shoulder at me and winked. "Bungle! Pah!"
The question brought both Hamilton and myself to the table. We went forward where we could see Laplante's face without being seen by his questioners. "If I answer, Your Honor," began the Frenchman, taking the captain's bluster for what it was worth and holding out doggedly for his own rights, "I'll be given leave to trap with the Sioux?" "Certainly, man. Speak out."
And I stepped from the tent. This time the wakeful dog let out a mouthful of quick barkings. Jerking off my boots I had not yet taken to the native custom of moccasins I dodged across the roadway into the exaggerated shadow of some Indian camp truckery. Here I fell flat to the ground so that no reflection should betray my movements. Then I remembered I had forgotten Louis Laplante's saddle.
I found him walking about in the up-stairs hall, but his own grief had deadened him to the fortunes of the warring companies. "Confound you, boy! Tell me the truth!" said Father Holland to me afterwards in the courtyard. Le Grand Diable's death and Louis Laplante's promise seemed to make a great impression on the priest.
I no more have nothing to do with you, till I pay you back all the same!" And he was presently fast asleep, or pretending to be. Next morning Le Grand Diable would set out for the north. This night, then, was my last chance to rescue Miriam. "Do your do before morning!" How Laplante's words echoed in my ears!
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