"Well, I shall not lack opportunity of visiting our domains, as you call them, another day."
"Excellently argued, ma'am, and I am quite of your opinion; William and I will therefore take our ride alone; I would ask you not to feel alarmed if we do not come home till rather late."
"No; but on condition that you return before night."
"Agreed."
They spoke of something else; still, towards the end of the meal, Sam, without suspecting it, brought the conversation back nearly to the same subject.
"I am certain, James," he said to his comrade, "that the young man was not a Canadian, as you fancy, but a Frenchman."
"Who are you talking about?" the squatter asked.
"The gentleman who accompanied the Redskins, and made them give us back our cattle."
"Yes, without counting the other obligations we are under to him, for if I am now the owner of a clearing, it was through him."
"He is a worthy gentleman," Mrs. Black said, with a purpose.