“Yes, princess, it is better so. That last sledge ride to the camp in response to orders was the final straw. He never spoke again, did he? Even in regard to our marriage?”
“No, dear, he didn't, and I'm glad, for my mind was made up already. I suppose Seguis will take possession here now?”
“Yes, as soon as we all start for Winnipeg, which will be when the ice is out of the rivers. It will be a long journey; but after it, when you have got some clothes, there will be a big church wedding, and we'll settle down like civilized beings in a real house. Oh, princess, I can hardly wait. I'm still afraid something will take you from me again.”
“Nothing ever will, dear boy,” she replied, patting his hand. “But look here, Donald,” and she smiled, “you haven't arrested Seguis yet for the murder of Cree Johnny.”
“No, and I don't need to. The man who reported the crime has finally confessed that he lied about it. Cree Johnny was drunk, and attacked Seguis, who killed him in self-defense. The man who brought the news to Fort Dickey had been Johnny's partner for years, and lied about it out of revenge. Speaking of murders, I would like to know who killed Indian Tom. I really think that a passing hunter mistook him for an animal moving. The deed was done in a storm, which made it very hard to see, and that same storm wiped out the murderer's tracks. Since you have sworn you were with me at the time of the shot, of course they can't accuse me any longer.”
“I wonder what will become of old Maria,” asked Jean. “She is a helpless idiot now. The strain of Seguis's confession that day seemed to break something in her brain, and now she is an amiable, helpless old squaw, without a single memory.”
“Seguis promised me the other day he would look after her. Once I asked him what was the motive that prompted his bringing that command of yours for me to go away, but he wouldn't explain. He only smiled. He seems very glad that we are to be married and happy, at last.” Donald smiled affectionately on her.
“Well, who wouldn't be glad that I am going to marry my hero?” asked the girl, with shining eyes.
McTavish grew suddenly grave.
“Don't call me that,” he said, gently. “There is another hero, to whom we both owe more than we can ever repay.”