lips — that word meaning damnation. I thank you, Mr. Loskiel, I require no protection.”

“Do you distrust Lieutenant Boyd or me? Or what?”

“Men! And you twain are two of them.”

“You fear such men as we are!” I demanded impatiently.

“I know nothing of you,” she answered, “save that you are men.”

“Do you mean Mr. Boyd — and his thoughtless gallantry — — ”

“I mean men! All men! And he differs in nothing from the rest that I can see. Which is why I travel without your leave on my own affairs and by myself — spite of the Iroquois.” She added bitterly;