oking at the narrow walls,
"and by Jove, I'm hoping that your people will never capture me."

"If they do, and they lock you up and I'm there, I shall do my best to
get you out into the air, even as you have done it for me."

"By Jove, I think you would," said Holderness.

The hands of the two official enemies met in a hearty clasp. They were
young and generous. The delights of life even as a prisoner now came in
a swelling tide upon Henry. He had not known before that air could be so
pure and keen, such a delight and such a source of strength to the
lungs. The figure that had seemed to shrink within the narrow walls
suddenly expanded and felt capable of anything. Strength flowed back in
renewed volume into every muscle. Before him beyond the walls curved the
dark green world, vital, intense, full of everything that he loved. It
was there that he meant to go, and his confidence that he would escape
rose higher than ever.

A swart figure passed him and a low voice said in his ear: "Watch the
river! Always watch the river!"

It was Lajeunais who had spoken, and already he was twenty feet away,
taking no notice of either Henry or Holderness, hurrying upon some
errand, connected with his business of trapping and trading. But Henry
knew that his words were full of meaning. Doubtless he had communicated
in some manner with the four, and they were using him as a messenger. It
looked probable. Lajeunais, like many of his race, had no love for the
conquerors. He had given the word to watch the river, and Henry meant to
do so as well as he could.

He waited some time in order to arouse no suspicion, and then he
suggested to Holderness that they walk again upon the platform of the
palisade. The lieutenant consented willingly enough, and presently they
stood there, looking far up and down the river and across at the forests
of Canada. There were canoes upon the stream, most of them small,
containing a single occupant, but all of these occupants were Indians.
Some of the savages had come from the shores of the Northern waters.
Chippewas or Blackfeet, who were armed with bows and arrows and whose
blankets were of skins. But they had heard of Detroit, and they brought
furs. They would go back with bright blankets and rifles or muskets.
Henry watched them with interest. He was trying to read some
significance for him into this river and its passengers. But if the text
was there it was unintelligible. He saw only the great shining