"Brilliers," she said, rising and fastening the last strand, "bring me
the brown no-wak-wa berries from the pail yonder."
She stood crushing the ripe fruit in her hands and looked into the
faces of her little band. In every countenance she read what she had
read in men's faces all of her life, the dumb longing to serve, and it
lifted her heart with tenderness.
"My men," she said presently, "remember we are Hudson's Bays, and that
we have behind us the Great Company which punishes guilt and upholds
loyalty, and that we go to rescue a factor of the Company. Alloybeau
and McDonald go with me, flanking either side. You, Frith, take up
position a hundred yards inland to cover what retreat may happen.
Wilson and Brilliers stand at the canoe, and, M'sieus, keep hand at
prow ready for instant action. We know not what may happen. I, who am
most concerned, go first. You, Marc Dupre, go with me."
Her voice dropped as it ever did of late when she spoke to this good
friend.
"And now we wait only for full darkness."
"You must go, Ma'amselle?" said Alloybeau miserably. "Cannot another
make the first scouting? Send me."
"And me!" Frith pushed softly forward.
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