As he moved away,
free of step and straight as an Indian, he filliped away a small
budding twig of the saskatoon which one of the youths had brought in to
show how the woods were answering the call of the warm sun, and which
he had dandled in his fingers as he walked. It fell at the edge of the
beaded skirt and quick as thought the hand of Francette shot out and
covered it. A hot flush mounted under the silken black curls and she
dropped her eyes, peering under their lashes to see if any observed.
She drew the faded sprig toward her and hid it in her breast.
Before the cabin of the Baptistes, Jean Saville touched his cap and
stopped.
"Yes?" said the factor; "what is it, Jean?"
"Assuredly, M'sieu, has the tide of the spring set in. Pierre but now
reports the coming of a band of strangers down the river. They come in
canoes, five of them, well manned and armed as if the country of the
Assiniboine were bristling with dangers instead of being the abode of
God's chosen. Within the hour they will arrive at the landing."
"Thank you, Jean," said McElroy; "I will prepare for the meeting."
The trapper touched his cap and passed.
"Ah," smiled the factor to himself, "I like this bustle of passage.
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