I led the flight, intending we should strike the creek at some distance above the boat and make our way down to it along the water’s edge, to cover our traces. The more we could divide our pursuers, the better would be our chances in the struggle, if overtaken. The pace I set was a sharp one, and soon, as I could perceive by his breathing, began to tell upon my heavy-limbed and unhardened companion. I slackened gradually, that he might not think I did it on his account.
In a very few minutes there arose behind us, coming thinly through the trees, the screeching war-whoop of the Micmacs, which has ever seemed to me more demoniacal and inhuman than even that of the Iroquois. Then, when we took time to glance over our shoulders, we marked a red glare climbing slowly. I judged that our escape was by this time discovered, and the wolves hot upon our trail.
To my companion, however, the sight brought a different thought.
“Where were you,” he gasped, “when they attacked De Lamourie’s? Did you not—promise—to save the place?”
“I was a fool,” said I, between my teeth. “I thought the might of my name had saved it. I went to the Habitants. When I got back it was over.”
“Ah!” was all he said, husbanding his breath.
“And they think I am a traitor—that I sanctioned it,” I went on in a bitter voice.
“Monsieur and Madame,” said I, “and, possibly, Mademoiselle also.”
“I could—have told them better than that,” he panted; “I know a man.”
Under the circumstances I did not think that modesty required me to disclaim the compliment.
A little further on he clutched me by the arm, and stopped, gasping.
“Blown,” said he, smiling, as if the situation were quite casual. “Must—one minute.”
Suddenly there was a heavy crash some distance behind us.
“They are so sure, they scorn the least precaution,” I whispered, foolishly wroth at their confidence. “But come, though your lungs should burst for it,” I went on. “I will seize the first hiding-place.”
He rallied like a man, and we raced on with fresh speed. Indeed, as I look back upon it, I see that he did miraculously well for one so unused to the exercise.
Five minutes later we came to a small brook crossing our path from left to right toward the Kenneticook. It was a place of low, brushy shrubs under large trees.
