New Britain herald., 1923-12-10
NOW 60 ON WITH THE STORY


 But ot distrust she gave no sign when Aiuiey approached her, bearing food and coffee. E.he accepted the situation as if it were the most every day one in the world; and she lis tened to the few words that he had to say, with real interest.
 4 short time later they resumed their journey. and traveled steadily for something more than an hour; then almost in the dark they pitched camp for tine night, A substantial meal was prepared of which Helen partook in the shelter of little tent which had been erected; then when she had finished the meal. she seated herself by the big fire which had been built.
 Ainley also seated himself less than yard from her; and without giving him chance Of asking for her story. she instantly demanded his.
 Ainley would have preferred to hear her story first, but he did not demur to her suggestion, and with Attle deprecatory lauGh hc began "It is not very easy To tall, ol ones dotngs, but | will do my best to avoid bcastfulncSs
 Then. carefully picking his words, he described the anxiety her non- return to her uncle's camp had given rise 10, and the preliminary search made by himsef and the Indian Joe. Then hc broke off sharply. You were saved from the river, somehow. by that fellow Stane, who was up al Fort Malsun. where you not?"
 Yes! How did you know"
 "I got his description from a half breed who had met and hailed you going up the river in canoe towards old Fort Winagoe."
 But we met no half-brced." said Helen quickly. her distrust awaken ing in full force.
 You met no halr-brced?" 9" The surprise in Ainey's face was quite genuine, as Helen ssw. and she real ized that whatever was to come. this part Of the mans story vas quite true.
 "rcrhaps he was the man who stole cur canoe" said Helen.
 "Yes." answered Ainlcy, that Nill be il. Put he broke off without finishing. Anyway" hc continued after a moment, Following his state. ment, ! went up to Old Fort wina- gog. but found no sign of you, then Lack by another and a quicker route that l might tell your tnrlc Of fhe lack Of news. and organize a regular search. After that. started to beat the country round abont steadily. For weeks searched, and all in vain. then ono day sn Indian cr came with story Of white man and woman living in cabin on lake. and though she did not know their names shp vas abr to tell mc that this man and woman were Stauc and you"
 Who WAS the rrl?" asked Helen quickly.
 "It was that Indian girl who was Up al Fort Malsun."
 "Miskodeedl" cried Helen.
 That believe vas her namr she looked on stauc as her lover. and she did you tho honor of being jealous Of you." Ainlry laughed as he spoke.
 "And when you heard ?' asked Helen promptly him as he fcli silent.
 When heard. l did not waste time. [ made bee-lino for the cabin on the lake. taking the girl with me. ] arrived there last night"
 'Hov long were you on the way interrupted Helen suddenly.
 -Four days"
 And Miskodccd was with you all the time@' "Df course" answered Arlef a trific unaasily. she was our guide " ''I sec" answered Helen quietly She made no further comment on the Indian girl. but she knew now that sinley had departed from whatever truth there was in his narrative. for Miskodeed. on fhc sure evidence of Der own eyes had been at the Indian encompment when he claimed she had been with him. She listened quietly whilst Aiuley continued: AS ] was saying ! arrived in tho neighborhood Of thc cabin last night Co find vou gone And Mir. Stanc 9" she asked almost breathlessiy. "lTd you find him |? bid you see him a''