the one
to the right, thinking thus to skirt the fence, and learn what was
beyond, before approaching the negro cabins on the opposite side. To
my surprise, I found myself suddenly standing on the bank of a narrow
bayou, the water clear, yet apparently motionless, the opposite shore
heavily timbered. Owing to a sharp curve I could see scarcely a
hundred yards in either direction, yet close in beside the shore a
light boat was skimming over the gray water. Even as I gazed, the
fellow plying the paddle saw me, and waved his hand. In another moment
the bow grounded on the bank and its occupant came stumbling up the
slight declivity.

He was a medium-sized, wiry-looking fellow, with olive skin and small
mustache, dressed in brown corduroy, a colored handkerchief wound about
his head in lieu of a hat. As he came to the level where I stood, he
stopped suddenly, staring into my face.

"Sacre! I thought eet vas Coombs. Who are you, M'sieur?"

"I came in last night," I replied evasively, "and was just looking
about a bit."

"So! you know Coombs, hey?"

"I 've met him--yes."

The black eyes searched my face, and I noted his right hand touch the
hilt of a knife in his belt.

"What water is this?" I asked, ignoring his action, "bayou?"

"Oui, M'sieur."

"Are we near the sea?"

"Twenty-seex mile. You not know where you are? 'Tis odd you not know,
M'sieur."

I laughed, enjoying his bewilderment, yet not realizing how to turn it
to better account.

"Oh, no. I came by train in the night, and am a little hazy as to
location. You live about here?"

"Som'time; then off again--sailor."

I nodded to prove I understood, but the man stopped uneasily.

"Whare Coombs? You know, M'sieur?"

"_No_, I don't," I acknowledged. "Asleep in his cabin likely."

The Creole, for such he undoubtedly was, made a swift resolve.

"'Tis like, M'sieur. I find out, maybe you come too!"

The last was more of an order than a question, and the fellow stepped
back slightly in a manner almost a threat. Understanding the
significance of the gesture I gave it no apparent heed, but turned in
the direction of the cabins. I had no reason to avoid Coombs; indeed,
I desired to see him, and I had no intention of permitting this lad to
suppose that I feared his veiled threats. Without so much as glancing
back at him I advanced along the footpath, my hands in my pockets. Yet
my mind leaped from point to point in eager speculation. T