With her back against the farther wall, Nepeese was waiting. McTaggartcould hear her panting breath. He advanced halfway to her.

"Nepeese, I sometimes have come to make you my wife," he exclaimed.

She did not answer. He could look at that her breath was choking her. Sheraised a hand to her throat. He took two more steps, and stopped. Hehad never seen such eyes.

"I have come to make you my wife, Nepeese. Tomorrow you will go on toNelson House with me, and then back to Lac Bain--forever." He added thelast word as an afterthought. "Forever," he repeated.