them have
seen us. I would be disappointed if our people didn't show they were
glad because of your home-coming!"

"Of course, that's it!" cried Adare. "Ho, Metoosin!" he roared, turning
toward the door. "Metoosin! Paitoo ta! Wawep isewin!"

Metoosin appeared at the door.

"Build a great fire in the una kah house," commanded Adare. "Feed all
who come in from the forests, Metoosin. Open up tobacco and preserves,
and flour and bacon. Nothing in the storeroom is too good for them. And
send Jean to me! Where is he?"

"Numma tao, ookimow."

"Gone!" exclaimed Adare.

"He didn't want to disturb you last night," explained Philip. "He made
an early start for the Pipestone."

"If he was an ordinary man, I'd say he was in love with one of the
Langlois girls," said Adare, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Neah,
Metoosin! Make them comfortable, and we will all see them later." As
Metoosin went Adare turned upon the others: "Shall we all go out now?"
he asked.

"Splendid!" accepted Josephine eagerly. "Come, Mikawe, we can be ready
in a moment!"

She ran from the room, leading her mother by the hand. Philip and Adare
followed them, and shortly the four were ready to leave the house. The
una kah, or guest house, was in the edge of the timber. It was a long,
low building of logs, and was always open with its accommodations to
the Indians and half-breeds--men, women, and children--who came in from
the forest trails. Renault and the Indian were helping Metoosin build
fires when they entered. Philip thought that Renault's eyes rested upon
him in a curious and searching glance even as Adare shook hands with
him. He was more interested in the low words both the Indian and the
blood muttered as they stood for a moment with bowed heads before
Josephine and Miriam. Then Renault raised his head and spoke direct to
Josephine:

"I breeng word for heem of Jan Breuil an' wewimow over on Jac' fish ma
Kichi Utooskayakun," he said in a low voice. "Heem lee'l girl so seek
she goin' die."

"Little Marie? She is sick--dying, you say?" cried Josephine.

"Aha. She ver' dam' seek. She burn up lak fire."

Josephine looked up at Philip.

"I knew she was sick," she said. "But I didn't think it was so bad. If
she dies it will be my fault. I should have gone." She turned quickly
to Renault. "When did you see her last?" she asked. "Listen!
Papak-oo-moo?"

"Aha."

"It is a sickness the children have each winter," she explained,
looking questio