"We are about to leave the prairie," Red Cedar went on.
Ellen gave an almost imperceptible start.
"Soon?" she asked.
"This very day; in a few hours we shall be on the road."
The girl looked at him.
"Then," she said, "we will draw nearer to the civilised frontier?"
"Yes," he answered, with considerable emotion.
Ellen smiled mournfully.
"Why deceive me, father?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" he exclaimed; "I do not understand you."