I heard no sound of warning, yet as I turned to retrace my way to the camp below, I became suddenly aware of the presence of Cassion.
CHAPTER XIII
WE REACH THE LAKE
He was between me and the deer trail, and enough of daylight yet remained to enable me to perceive the man clearly. How long he may have been there observing me I could not know, but when I first saw him he was bent forward, apparently deeply interested in some sudden discovery upon the ground at his feet.
“You thought me long in returning, Monsieur?” I asked carelessly, and taking a step toward him. “It was cooler up here, and the view from the bluff yonder beautiful. You may gain some conception of it still, if you care.”
He lifted his head with a jerk, and stared into my face.
“Ay! no doubt,” he said harshly, “yet I hardly think it was the view which held you here so long. Whose boot print is this, Madame? not yours, surely.”
I glanced where he pointed, my heart leaping, yet not altogether with regret. The young Sieur had left his trail behind, and it would serve me whether by his will or no.