The look was not lost on Mabyn. He sprang up. "I'll do just what you want!" he said hurriedly. "I'll start for Prince George at once—to-day—this minute! God knows there's nothing to keep me here! You have a spare horse, I suppose. I've nothing but that galled cayuse and another as bad!" He uttered his cracked laugh in a tone that was intended to be ingratiating. "That's the advantage of poverty! I've no preparations to make; so lead on!"
Natalie paused irresolutely. This was a contingency she had not foreseen. She shuddered at the possibilities it opened up. In her perplexity she looked again at Garth.
"We will leave you a horse," said he curtly. "And your passage out from the lake Settlement will be arranged for."
"And what money you need," added Natalie in a low tone, and blushing painfully.
But Mabyn's feelings were not hurt. "I can go with you just as well," he blustered.
Natalie looked at Garth once more.
"You may follow us as soon as you choose," said Garth coolly. "We do not desire your company on the way."
For the first time Mabyn appeared to recognize Garth's presence on the scene. He turned a baleful eye on him; and his lips curled back over his gums. "Who are you?" he snarled, adding an oath.
"That is neither here nor there," said Garth. "I speak for Miss Bland."
"Mrs. Mabyn, you mean," sneered the other, thinking to crush him with the information.