"I suppose Sir George meant these Indians this morning when he spoke of sending the mail through the woods to Little York. But did you know that the Latimers intend to sail to-night?"
"Not positively, though I suspected as much."
"That is one reason that I came to see you. Would it be safe to send one of my letters on the boat; or must they all go by Little York?"
"It would be safer by land than water, even if slower. Still a non-committal letter might be risked if you are careful in the wording."
"It is just a little message to Maud Maxwell and could not implicate any one. I do so want to send a few words and get news from there. It seems like an age since we left; and if it is lost it will not matter much. I only sent one before, and that was from Montreal.
"Well, do as you like, dearest. But my men are wanting me. They don't know how to place that plank."
They parted the bushes and in another minute were at the water's edge again.
"V'eell Madame go back right vey?" Bateese asked.
"Wait a moment; those squaws want to speak to me."
Two Indian women, clothed in blanket, short skirt and moccasins had been waiting her return. The older one, with long black hair loose over her shoulders, resembled the tall handsome girl beside her, and looked old enough to be her mother. She touched Helen on the arm.