"Oh, there's nothing the matter with me," replied Dernor, his very manner showing an increase of his embarrassment.
"Yes, now, I know there is. Let's hear it."
The bronzed face of the hunter took a deeper hue as he asked:
"Is she—Edith with you?"
"Of course she is," laughed Smith, a dim, vague idea of his meaning beginning to make its way through his brain.
"To tell the truth, then, Smith, there is one man of ours that I must prevent from seeing her."
Smith looked up in amazement. Lewis proceeded:
"The distance from here to the settlement toward which you are journeying is not more than forty miles. Let me take Edith and make that journey alone. I have traveled the ground often enough, and I will lead her through the woods safely and much sooner than you can perform the same journey. This is the only favor I have ever asked or expect to ask of you. Don't refuse it.
"Why, my heavens! who intended to refuse it? Take her? Of course you may, provided she is willing, for where could she be safer than in the charge of Lew Dernor? Nowhere, I cac'late."
"You please tell her that it is necessary, then, will you?"