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In front of him was something definite. Before the astonished Indians could back water, he had dashed into the shallows, and planted his paws on the bow of old Haukemah's canoe. A simultaneous cry of alarm burst from the other Indians. Some began frantically to recharge their muzzle-loading trade-guns; others dashed toward the spot as rapidly as paddle or moccasin could bring them.

They were serviceable, strong deerskin, with high tops of white linen cloth procured at the Factory, without decoration save for a slender line of silk about the tongue. Something approaching a smile flickered over old Haukemah's countenance as he fished out of his side pocket another pair. "For Eagle-eye," he said, handing them to Dick.

Galen Albret had fallen into a profound silence, which no one ventured to break. Dick and Sam, uncertain as to whether or not they, too, were dismissed, shifted uneasily. "How did you find him?" demanded the Factor, abruptly. "We went with old Haukemah's band down as far as the Mattawishguia. There we left them and went up stream and over the divide.

"You have never looked kindly on him. You left Haukemah's band to go with us. How could he trust you?" She looked at him bravely. "Little Father," she replied, "there is a moment when man and woman trust utterly, and when they say truly what lies in their hearts." "Good God!" cried Sam, in English. "It was the only way," she answered the spirit of his interjection.

"Good," replied Sam, after a moment. "I am glad my brother's heart is good toward me, and I know what young men are. We will go. Tell your young men." An expression of relief overspread Haukemah's face. Evidently the crisis had been more grave than he had acknowledged. He thrust his hand inside his loose capote and brought forth a small bundle. "Moccasins," said he. Sam looked them over.

"And you think he told you all these things truly?" doubted Sam. She looked directly at him. "Little Father," said she slowly, "long has this man wanted me to live in his wigwam. For that he joined Haukemah's band; because I was there. I have been good in his eyes. Never have I given him favour. My favour always would unlock his heart." "But are you sure he spoke truth," objected Sam.

But almost with Sam's reply the creaking began again, and after an instant of indetermination continued its course. Then suddenly the woodsmen, with a simultaneous movement, raised their rifles, and with equal unanimity lowered them, gasping with astonishment. Dick's enemy, Ah-tek, the renegade Chippewa of Haukemah's band on the Missináibie, stepped from the concealment of the bushes.