"I do not much mind the binding, but you would do me a favour by relaxing those of my companion. He has been severely wounded, and inflammation has set in. If you were to remove his bonds altogether you would run no risk."
"I shall do as you suggest, monsieur," and in a minute Phillips was unbound.
"Now, if monsieur le capitaine will fall a little in rear with me, I should like some private conversation." Stephens was fast bound, but play enough was left to one hand to guide his horse.
"Of course," began the half-breed, "you know something of those two
Cree boys who go riding about the prairies and fighting with the
Indians."
"Yes; to one of these I twice owe my deliverance."
"Ah, yes; to mademoiselle Annette. Now, monsieur, we know—I know—who the two are. The other is the demoiselle Julie, maid to demoiselle Annette."
"Well, what if you do happen to know these facts?"
"I will tell monsieur. I love Julie very much, and if le capitaine will procure me an interview with the maiden, at some place where I shall name, I may be useful to him in the hour of peril."
"I think," replied Stephens, "that I am now talking with the confidential friend, secretary and adviser of M. Riel. You are the Jean of whom I have heard mention?"
"Oui, monsieur. I am Jean."