Perhaps, sir, you can explain the contradiction ?" "It was not altogether as you have stated it, Mademoiselle," I stammered, confused by the directness of her attack.

"I said nothing of knowing this Josette, and you have deceived yourself in the matter.
I came here seeking a young girl, 't is true, but found no trace of her until a few hours ago, most curiously, in the heart of that Indian camp yonder." "You found her there?
How strange!" "Most strange indeed, Mademoiselle, especially as she appeared to enjoy perfect liberty among the savages." "You spoke with her ?" "Not a word; it was only a glimpse I caught of her in the firelight, and when I sought to go to her the warriors interfered and forced me back.

But Captain Heald, who saw her at the same time, assured me 't was the one I sought." "'T is small wonder, then, you could stand here at my very side so long, and yet see me not, or remain indifferent to my presence," she said, drawing slightly back.

"Come, Captain de Croix, let us walk to the other corner of the stockade, and leave Master Wayland to dream of his mysterious beauty undisturbed." "You misapprehend me," I cried, awakened by her words, but more by De Croix's smile.

"She has no such hold upon my memory as that, for until tonight I had supposed her a mere child.