He turned this over. "A woman would discredit your party?"

"Of course."

"But no one sees you but the Indians."

"They report to the priests."

"And you care what the priests think?"

"I care for the good name of my company. Monsieur, do you like to wear
a squaw's dress?"

He laughed. "Why not? I like women. Why scorn their garb? But I see
your reasons, monsieur. They are better than mine. So get out the
clothing,--though I shall look like an eel in a bear's skin."

But I had lost my haste. Mock woman that he was, he was yet somewhat
pleasant to the eye. I had noticed more than once the picture that he
made as he came and went among the trees. Yet I thought lightly of
myself for enjoying the deceit of my eyesight. I rose.

"Wear your skirts, then, for a few days longer," I said coldly. "It is
too dark to find what I want. Come now. We must sleep early, and be
up betimes, for we shall take up our journey in the morning."

We were astir at daybreak. It was a red morning, and the birds were
singing. The air was keen, but the fire snapped cheerfully, and the
sky gave promise of a warm day. We carried the bales to the beach, and
were ready for the canoes. Then I missed the Englishman. He had been