"Pack up, Penelope!" shouted Nick, leading Kaya into the orchard, all saddled; and fell to making up his pack on the grass.
"At Mayfield Fort!" I called across to Nick. "And if I be not there by night, then take Penelope to Johnstown, for it means that the Iroquois are on the Sacandaga!"
"I mark you, Jack!" he replied. I turned to the girl:
"Farewell, Penelope," I said. "You shall be safe with Nick."
"But you, John Drogue?"
"Safe in the forest, always, and the devil himself could not catch me," said I cheerily.
She stretched out her hand. I took it, looked at her, then kissed her fingers. And so went away swiftly, to where our canoe lay, troubled because of this young girl whom I had no desire to fall truly in love with, and yet knew I had been near to it many times that spring.
I got into the canoe and took the stern paddle; my Saguenay kneeled down in the bow; and we shot out across the Vlaie Water.
Once I turned and looked back over my shoulder; and I saw Penelope standing there on the grass, and Nick awaiting her with Kaya.
But I did not wish to feel as I felt at that moment. I did not desire to fall in love. No!