The Father saw the sorrow in the Captain’s eyes, and understood.
“I will take her, M’sieu.”
Carefully Menard placed her in Father Claude’s arms and turned away.
“Teganouan,” he said, trying to recover his self-possession, “should we not be near the trail?”
“Yes, more than half the way.”
“Can we reach it more quickly by heading a little to the north?”
“We would reach the trail, yes; but the way would be longer.”
“Never mind; once on the trail it will be easier than in this forest. Turn to the north, Teganouan.”
He could hear the maid’s voice, protesting sleepily, and Father Claude talking quietly to her. He looked around. The priest said in a low tone:––
“Come, M’sieu, it is hard to awaken her.”