It was a hundred yards down the slow-going current to the beach of shale where he could climb out, and a half of that distance she followed him, laughing and taunting him, and flinging down sticks and pebbles.

He noted that none of the sticks or stones was large enough to hurt him.

When at last his feet touched bottom, she was gone.
Swiftly Nepeese ran back over the trail, and almost into Pierrot's arms.

She was panting and laughing when for a moment she stopped.
"I have given him the answer, Nootawe! He is in the pool!" Into the balsams she disappeared like a bird.

Pierrot made no effort to stop her or to follow.
"Tonnerre de Dieu," he chuckled--and cut straight across for the other trail.
Nepeese was out of breath when she reached the cabin.