AN INTERVENTION OF FATE "Form one of our party ?" I echoed, believing I must have misunderstood her words.

"Surely, Mademoiselle, you cannot mean that you take your promise to the half-breed so seriously as voluntarily to remain in captivity ?" "Yes, but I do, Monsieur!" and the tone in which she said it was firm with decision.

"The Indian asked my pledge in all solemnity, and has gone away trusting to it.

My conscience could never again be clear did I prove false in such a matter.

You also made a pledge, even before mine was given; was it not your purpose to abide by it ?" "No," I answered, a bit shortly.