He was smiling when she turned. In
her face and eyes was a relief which she made no effort to
repress.
"You thought I might be dead," he laughed softly. "I'm not, Miss
Jeanne. I'm very much alive again. It was that accursed fever--and
I want to ask your pardon! I think--I know--that I accused you of
shooting me. It's impossible. I couldn't think of it--In my clear
mind. I am quite sure that I know the rascally half-breed who pot-
shotted me like that. And it was you who came in time, and
frightened him away, and saved my life. Will you forgive me--and
accept my gratitude?"
There came into the glowing eyes of the girl a reflection of his
own smile. It seemed to him that he saw the corners of her mouth
tremble a little before she answered him.
"I am glad you are feeling better, m'sieu."
"And you will forgive me for--for saying such beastly things to
you?"
She was lovely when she smiled, and she was smiling at him now.
"If you want to be forgiven for lying, yes," she said. "I forgive
you that, because it is sometimes your business to lie. It was I
who tried to kill you, m'sieu. And you know it."
"But--"
"You must not talk, m'sieu.
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