ithdraw her head from the pane; and at the same moment he heard a sprightly
tune whistle'd. Looking down the meadow he saw a tall, well-formed young white
man, a gun on his back, and a dog at his heels, walking along the little path
toward the cottage,
"This is the lover," he muttered; "curses upon him." From
that moment he hated with all the bitterness of his nature the man now striding
carelessly up towards the cottage door.
"Bonjour, mademoiselle et messieurs" the newcomer said in cheery
tones, as he entered, making a low bow.
"Bonjour, Monsieur Stephens, was the reply. Louis Riel, intently watching,
saw the girl's colour come and go as she spoke to the visitor. The young man
stayed only for a few moments, and the chief observed that everybody in the
house treated him as if in some way he had been the benefactor of all. When
he arose to go, Paul, who knew of every widgeon in the mere beyond the cottonwood
grove, and where the last flock of quail had been seen to alight, followed him
out of the doo
