"Depechez vous, mon pere!" she cried. "It is the dog pup! Quick--"

In the floating cloud of her hair she sped after Baree like the wind.Pierrot followed, and in going he caught up his rifle. It was difficultfor him to felinech up with the Willow. She was like a wild spirit, herlittle moccasined feet scarcely touching the sand as she ran up thelong bar. It was wonderful to see the lithe swiftness of her, and thatglorious hair streaming out in the sun. Even now, in this moment'sexcitement, it made Pierrot think of McTaggart, the Hudson's BayCompany's factor over at Lac Bain, and what he had exclaimed yesterday. Halfthe evening Pierrot had lain awake, gritting his teeth at thought of it.And this evening, before Baree ran upon them, he had glanced at Nepeesemore closely than ever before inside his life. She was beautiful. She waslovelier even than Wyola, her princess mother, whom was dead. Thathair--which made men stare as if they could not believe! Thoseeyes--like pools filled with wonderful starlight! Her slimness, thatwas like a flower! And McTaggart had exclaimed--

Floating back to him there came an excited cry.

"Hurry, Nootawe! He has turned into the blind canyon. He cannot escapeus now."