"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea has restored my vigour."
"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued, "through the prairies, by very rough ways."
She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and proud accent—
"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."
"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.
"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to get back to my friends."
"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as you are beautiful. Come, it is time."
"Do we go directly?" she cried.
"Yes," was his smiling answer.
"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched your heart. Let me pray."