is own passion, he cried out, with bitter oaths and
execrations,--

"Curse you! you and all your race!"

He raised himself slightly as he said this. The next instant he fell
back, senseless. For a moment Claude stood looking at the lifeless
form, undecided what to do. Should he remain here longer? If Cazeneau
should revive, it would only be to curse him; if he died, he could do
nothing. Would it not be better to hurry forward after the rest of
the party, who could not be very far away? If so, he could send back
the priest, who would come in time either for life or death. The
moment that he thought of this he decided that he would hurry forward
for the priest. He then explained to his guide what he wished, and
asked the Indians of Cazeneau how far the rest of the party were.
They could speak but very little French, but managed to make Claude
understand that they were not far. To his Indian they said more, and
he told his employer. What they said was to this effect: that on this
morning Cazeneau had left the party with these two Indians, for the
sake of a little recreation in hunting. The rest had gone forward,
with the understanding that they should not go more than two or three
hours. Then they were to halt and wait. Cazeneau was just about to go
after them as Claude came up.

[Illustration: "Curse You And All Your Race."]

This information showed Claude that the rest of the party were within
easy distance, and that the priest could be reached and sent back
before evening. Accordingly he hesitated no longer, but set forth at
once in the greatest haste.

The thought that Mimi was so near inspired Claude with fresh energy.
Although he had been on the tramp all day, and without
rest,--although he had received a severe and unparalleled shock in
the terrible fate of Cazeneau,--yet the thought of Mimi had
sufficient power over him to chase away the gloom that for a time had
fallen over his soul. It was enough to him now that a priest was
within reach. Upon that priest he could throw all the responsibility
which arose out of the situation of his enemy. These were the
thoughts that animated him, and urged him forward.

The Indians of Cazeneau had made him understand that they were only a
few hours ahead; but Claude thought that they were even nearer. He
thought it unlikely that Cazeneau would let them go very far, and
supposed that he had ordered the other Indians to go slowly, and halt
after about three or four mil