cousin followed, and we were
betrothed. We had the same cause at heart, and our joint estates would
give us some power. We planned to use them for that purpose."

"And your capture? Did your cousin know of it?"

"Monsieur, you say that this is necessary? My nurse had come to
America, and married a settler, in a village on the frontier. She was
ill, and I went to see her, and stayed some days. My cousin followed,
and stayed at a neighboring house. One night the Indians came. The
woman's husband was away, and the little maid-servant ran at the first
outcry. I was alone with the woman, who could not leave her bed. I
cut my hair roughly, put on a suit of her husband's clothing, and took
a musket. It was a blockhouse, and I hoped that I might hold the
Indians off for a time if they thought me a man."

"And your cousin?"

"He came to me. He was running. He said it was of no use. He had
seen men brained. There were legions of Indians. He said there was
nothing left but flight. He tried to take me with him."

"And when you would not go? When you would not desert?"

"Monsieur, he went alone."

I laid myself down on the grass before her, and covered her hands with
mine. "I am not quite a brute," I said. "I had to ask it. Look,
look, mademoiselle, it is all over. See, the sky is gentle, and the
Indians are friendly, and my sword---- Well, I will not leave you,
mademoiselle, until you tell me to go. But I must say more. Your
cousin---- Is he Lord Starling?"

"Yes."

"Lord Starling is probably alive. If he is, he is searching for you.
Have you thought of that?"

"But the wilderness,--the terrible leagues of wilderness! He could not
track me, monsieur."

"When there is money and influence, even the wilderness has messengers.
He was close to the person of James. Is he a Catholic?"

"He professed it, monsieur."

I shook my head. "You are very bitter. You need not be. He was
insane that night. I have known the sight of Indian butchery to turn
good men into whimpering animals. He was not responsible. I know that
he is lavishing time and fortune and strength to find you now."

I thought she winced. "You know this, monsieur?"

It was my turn to look away. "I know something of a man's heart," I
answered deliberately. "If I loved you, mademoiselle, and lost
you--lost you, and played the craven,--I should find you. The
wilderness would not matter. I should find you. I should find you