this visitor was more than an ordinary man. She was of an
impressionable nature, and naturally surrounded Dane Norwood with the
glamour of romance. His buoyant, free-from-care manner, and the roving
life he led thrilled and enthralled her very soul. To her he was the
living embodiment of valiant knights and princes who figured in tales
she had heard and read, especially those of the Arthurian Legends.
Malory's "Morte d'Arthur," notwithstanding its quaint language and
quainter pictures, had so enkindled her mind that she herself at times
had seemed the heroine in many a stirring scene. It was largely due to
these impressions that she relished the life in the wilderness, and
looked upon the King's courier as a hero of more than ordinary mettle.

Breakfast over, the Colonel summoned the men of the settlement, and,
guided by Dane, they went at once to the lake after the moose. Jean
obtained her father's permission to accompany them, and she thoroughly
enjoyed the trip. The men were like a crowd of boys just out of
school, and the forest resounded with laughter and animated talk. The
prospect of an abundance of game during the fall and winter elevated
their spirits, and made them forget the days and weeks when food had
been scarce. To them Dane was a Godsend, and they took him to their
hearts and made him as one of themselves. That he and the Colonel's
daughter were in love with each other they were not slow in learning.
But there was no rude chaffing as the two walked a little apart from
the rest. They were men noble enough to respect the sacredness of a
first great love.

There was much rejoicing among the women and children when the men
returned to the settlement with the moose. It had been skinned and
carefully divided. Some carried their portions, while others bore
theirs suspended on poles from shoulder to shoulder. Thus for the