by the suddenness with which
the colour ebbed from her face and the old fear leapt back into her
eyes.

"Two? You are sure there are two?" Her fingers clutched his arm almost
fiercely. "And they are coming this way?"

"We can see them from the top of the rock ridge," he said. "I am sure
there are two. Will you look for yourself?"

She did not speak as they hurried to the bald cap of the ridge. From
the top Philip pointed down the lake. The two canoes were in plain view
now. Whether they contained three or four people they could not quite
make out. At sight of them the last vestige of colour had left the
girl's cheeks. But now, as she stood there breathing quickly in her
excitement, there came a change in her. She threw back her head. Her
lips parted. Her blue eyes flashed a fire in which Philip in his
amazement no longer saw fear, but defiance. Her hands were clenched.
She seemed taller. Back into her cheeks there burned swiftly two points
of flame. All at once she put out a hand and drew him back, so that the
cap of the ridge concealed them from the lake.

"An hour ago those canoes would have made me run off into the
forest--and hide," she said. "But now I am not afraid! Do you
understand?"

"Then you trust me?"

"Absolutely."

"But--surely--there is something that you should tell me: Who they are,
what your danger is, what I am to do."

"I am hoping that I am mistaken," she replied. "They may not be those
whom I am dreading--and expecting. All I can tell you is this: You are
Paul Darcambal. I am Josephine, your wife. Protect me as a wife. I will
be constantly at your side. Were I alone I would know what to expect.
But--with you--they may not offer me harm. If they do not, show no
suspicion. But be watchful. Don't let them get behind you. And be ready
always--always--to use that--if a thing so terrible must be done!" As
she spoke she lay a hand on his pistol. "And remember: I am your wife!"

"To live that belief, even in a dream, will be a joy as unforgettable
as life itself," he whispered, so low that, in turning her head, she
made as if she had not heard him.

"Come," she said. "Let us follow the coulee down to the lake. We can
watch them from among the rocks."

She gave him her hand as they began to traverse the boulder-strewn bed
of the creek. Suddenly he said:

"You will not suspect me of cowardice if I suggest that there is not
one chance in a hundred of them discovering us?"

"No," she replied