the rock, tied the little cup to her girdle. It seemed to me, there in the dusk, that she smiled very faintly; and if it was so it was the first smile I had had of her when she said:

“I travel light, Mr. Loskiel. But otherwise there is nothing light about me.”

“Lois, I pray you, listen. As I am a man, I can not leave you here.”

“For that reason, sir, you will presently take your leave.”

“No, I shall remain if you will not come into camp with us.”

She said impatiently:

“I lie safer here than you around your fire. You mean well; now take your leave of me — with whatever flight of fancy,” she added mockingly,