He must needs pass the cottage.
August Bordine had called the traveler Victoria's brother. He saw his mistake as he passed out, but did not deem it necessary to rectify it.
He swung his rifle to his shoulder, and moved, with a long stride, toward the nearest point of woods.
Vaulting a fence, he crossed a bit of clearing and entered a clump of trees.
Here he paused and looked back.
The strange horseman had halted at the cottage, and was conversing with
Victoria.
Bordine saw him lift his hat politely, and knew that it was no tramp this time who craved favor at the cottage.
"I don't think the girl will require my presence this time," muttered the young engineer.
She did, however, as the sequel proved.
Bordine, whistling softly, turned away and plunged deeply into the forest.