now! You can only tramp to the next town, and--"

"And the next," interposed Jean Jacques. "But so it is my orders." He
put his hand on his heart, and gathered up his hat and knapsack.

"But you haven't searched here at Askatoon." "Ah? . . . Ah-well,
surely that is so," answered Jean Jacques wistfully. "I had forgotten
that. Perhaps you can tell me, you who know all. Have you any news
about my Zoe for me? Do you know--was she ever here? Madame Gerard
Fynes would be her name. My name is Jean Jacques Barbille."

"Madame Zoe was here, but she has gone," quietly answered the Young
Doctor.

Jean Jacques dropped the hat and the knapsack. His eyes had a glad, yet
staring and frightened look, for the Young Doctor's face was not the
bearer of good tidings.

"Zoe--my Zoe! You are sure? . . . When was she here?" he added
huskily.

"A month ago."

"When did she go?" Jean Jacques' voice was almost a whisper.

"A month ago."

"Where did she go?" asked Jean Jacques, holding himself steady, for he
had a strange dreadful premonition.