"An hour ago I saw it going westward along the mountain—three men and six dogs. Whom have you out from Lac Bain?"
"No one," replied Jan. "It must have been the new agent from Churchill. We expect him early this winter. Shall we hurry back, Mélisse, and see if he has brought our books and violin-strings?"
"You must have dinner with me," objected Ledoq.
Jan caught a quick signal from Mélisse.
"Not to-day, Ledoq. It's early, and we have a lunch for the trail. What do you say, Mélisse?"
"If you're not tired, Jan."
"Tired!"
He tossed the last package from the sledge and cracked his long whip over the dogs' backs as they both cried out their farewell to the little Frenchman.
"Tired!" he repeated, running close beside her as the team swung lightly back into the trail, and laughing down into her face. "How could I ever get tired with you watching me run, Mélisse?"
"I wouldn't mind if you did—just a little, Jan. Isn't there room for two?"