Was the fellow really delirious? The boats were disappearing from view. I could wait no longer.
"Louis," said I, "if you have anything to say, say it quick! I can't wait longer."
"You know I lie to you in the gorge?" and he looked straight at me.
"Certainly," I answered, "and I punished you pretty well for it twice."
"You know what that lie mean"—and he hesitated—"mean to her—to Miriam?"
"Yes, Louis, I know."
"And you forgive all? Call all even?"
"As far as I'm concerned—yes—Louis! God Almighty alone can forgive the suffering you have caused her."
Then Louis Laplante leaped up and, catching my hand, looked long and steadily into my eyes.
"I go and find her," he muttered in a low, tense voice. "I follow their trail—I keep her from suffer—I bring them all back—back here in the bush on this river—I bring her back, or I kill Louis Laplante!"