d a character which he could not comprehend.

However, that his purpose was in no way changed was made evident as we
took our places in the canoes. A new distribution had been arranged,
Chevet accompanying the sergeant, leaving the Commissaire and me
alone, except for the _pere_, who had position in the bow. I observed
this new arrangement from underneath lowered lashes, but without
comment, quietly taking the place assigned me, and shading my face
from the first rays of the sun.

The day which followed was but one of many we were destined to pass in
the canoes. I have small recollection of it, except the weariness of
my cramped position, and Cassion's efforts to entertain. Our course
kept us close to the north shore, the high banks cutting off all view
in that direction, while in the other there was nothing to see but an
expanse of water.

Except for a single canoe, laden with furs, and propelled by Indian
paddlers, bound for Quebec and a market, we encountered no travelers.
These swept past us swiftly in grip of the current, gesticulating, and
exchanging salutations, and were soon out of sight. Our own boats
scattered, as no danger held us together, and there were hours when we
failed to have even a glimpse of their presence.

At noon we landed in a sheltered cove, brilliant with wild flowers,
and partook of food, the rearward canoes joining us, but De Artigny
was still ahead, perhaps under orders to keep away. To escape Cassion,
I clambered up the front of the cliff, and had view from the summit,
marking the sweep of the river for many a league, a scene of wild
beauty never to be forgotten. I lingered there at the edge until the
voice of the Commissaire recalled me to my place in the canoe.

It is of no consequence now what we conversed about during that long
afternoon, as we pushed steadily on against the current. Cassion
endeavored to be entertaining and I made every effort to encourage
him, although my secret thoughts were not pleasant ones. Where was all
this to lead? Where was to be the end? There was an expression in the
man's face, a glow in his eyes, which troubled me. Already some
instinct told me that his carelessness was a thing of the past. He was
in earnest now, his vague desire stimulated by my antagonism.

He had set out to overcome my scruples, to conquer my will, and was
merely biding his time, seeking to learn the best point of attack. It
was with this end in view that he kept me to himself, b