cise of the truest nobility,
was a better man than he. The selfish gratitude for his deliverance
was secondary to shame for his own unworthy life and humble worship
of Seguis's sterling character.

"Seguis," he said at last, quietly, "you are right; I never can
undo the wrong I have done you. But will say this: I admire your
spirit and your manhood. I admire the way you sought to defeat us
in honorable competition on the hunting-grounds, and the skill with
which you managed it. The position of factor at Fort Severn is
open, and I wish you to take it. You are one of my most valued men.
This appointment will be ratified in the usual form when the time
comes."

He rose and walked across the tent: Then, he took the left hand of
Seguis and pressed it warmly.

"You will accept?" he asked.

The half-breed's only response was a return pressure and a look of
glorious gratitude.

"What is to become of me, father?" asked Donald in a half-serious
tone of injury.

"You're to come down to civilization as soon as spring opens. I
had already decided that this would be your last year in the woods.
I need you there to learn the ins and outs of the administrative
end. Of course, I'll give you a factory if you want it, but I
don't think you need the experience."

"No, I don't think I do," replied Donald. "And then, besides, I
have other reasons for wishing to live in a civilized community.
I wonder what is the current price of house-furniture?"

A month later Jean Fitzpatrick, her sister, Laura, and Donald
McTavish sat in the luxurious drawing-room of the factor's house
at Fort Severn. The two women were in black, and Laura dabbed at
her eyes occasionally, but with considerable care lest the penciling
of her eyebrows should smear... Out in the cold, a little distance
away, a fresh mound lay, dun-colored, under the oblique rays of
the setting sun.

"Poor father," said Jean softly, slipping her hand into Donald's,
"I'm glad he's at rest. His life was a bitter one."

"Yes, princess, it is better so. That last sledge ride to the camp
in response to orders was the final straw. He never spoke again,
did he? Even in regard to our marriage?"

"No, dear, he didn't, and I'm glad, for my mind was made up already.
I suppose Seguis will take possession here now?"

"Yes, as soon as we all start for Winnipeg, which will be when the
ice is out of the rivers. It will be a long journey; but after it,
when you have got some clothes, there w