It was just sunset, and Settler Vance Bernard was pacing up and down the piazza smoking a handsomely carved pipe.
He started as he beheld his daughter's approach, accompanied by an officer, and uttered, in a sullen tone:
"Why has he come here? Ha! it is Kit Carey!"
The man's manner was that of one who was to receive an unwelcome guest.
But as Kit Carey aided Jennie to alight, and the two came upon the piazza, the settler said, pleasantly:
"I was anxious about you, my child, for I knew not that you had a gallant escort."
"A gallant escort, indeed, father. Allow me to present Lieutenant Kit Carey, of whom we have heard so much?"
"Lieutenant Carey, indeed! Can it be possible that I have the honor of welcoming to my home the hero of Fort——?" Vance Bernard extended his hand most cordially, yet with no show of having ever before met the young officer.
Kit Carey was pleased with his cordial reception, and asked:
"Have we not met before, Mr. Bernard?"