see it," said the fur-trader, earnestly gazing on the dot which
represented the said island.

"Well," continued the surveyor, "that islet is a mere rock just above
the waterfall, and I am of opinion that it would be almost impossible
for any one to erect a mill there without encroaching to some extent on
your half of it."

"Good," replied the fur-trader, "can you let me have a copy of the plan
to-morrow?"

"To-night if you please. I have one by me."

"Then I'll be off by daybreak the day after to-morrow," said Redding,
with much decision.

"Why such haste?" asked the surveyor, "the McLeods are not likely to run
away from you. I know them well, for they dwelt long in this
settlement, and were ever regarded as men of firm purpose--quite
immovable indeed when once they had made up their minds on any point, so
you'll be sure to find them at Jenkins Creek carrying out their plans,
even though you should delay your return for a month. Come, make up
your mind to stay with us at least a few days. It will do you as well
as me good, and will send you back to banishment in a better frame of
mind."

Redding, although strongly tempted by the comforts of civilised life and
the hospitality of his host--not to mention the attractions of the plump
little daughters--sternly resolved not to swerve an inch, from the path
of what he believed to be his duty. He entertained a strong suspicion
that these McLeods had penetrated into the wilderness to the
neighbourhood of the Cliff Fort, not so much for the purpose of cutting
timber, as for secret opposition in the fur-trade, of which the company
he represented had for many years enjoyed almost a monopoly. His pride
was touched, his spirit was fired. Perhaps the peaceful and secluded
life he had led rendered this little opportunity of warfare more a
pleasure than a pain to him. At all events the thing was not to be
tolerated. The saw-mill, which the McLeods had an undoubted right to
erect on the unoccupied lands, was being planted on the very border of
the Company's reserve lands, which they had purchased, and which were
clearly laid down in plans. He would see to it that these interlopers
did not trespass by an inch--no, not by an eighth of an inch--if _he_
had power to prevent it! The fact that the McLeods were said to be
resolute men made him more determined to assert his rights. He
therefore declined Mr Gambart's invitation firmly.

"I will stay," said he, "only one day