"I am tired," she made answer. "I slept poorly last night. Then they think there is no chance of success?"
"Oh, no, no! And we ought to escape."
She dropped down again, pillowing her head on a little rise of ground. Should she be glad, or sorry? Either way she seemed stunned.
The sky cleared up presently, and the sun came out. The few men walked about disconsolately. The rations were apportioned, some went farther in the woods, to find nuts, if possible. Now that the stores had been taken and two days added to the journey, want might be their portion.
Two of the men succeeded in finding some game. There was a small stream of water, but no fish were discernible in it. It froze over at night, but they could quench their thirst, and with some dried pennyroyal made a draught of tea.
Rose wondered if she had ever prayed before! All she could say now was: "Oh, Holy Mother of God, have pity on me."
The long night passed. De Loie said in the morning: "I think one of you had better start with the women. If we should be beset with the savages, they might find their way home. Here are some points I have marked out."
"No," returned Rose, "let us all perish together."
"Mon Dieu! Do you suppose they would let you perish? You would have to be squaw to some brave."
Rose shuddered. No, she could but die.