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Her clear, questioning eyes gazed so directly into eous, I up and told her what I had observed, and where I was then bound

"It is better to trust me," she commented siether idle, although I ans There were several reeds bent low in the water a hundred yards back; their sides scraped as if a large boat had been dragged through the of it, until I observed how intently you were studying each one yonder, ould you wishhow heavy her eyes were frouard, Eloise," I said, forgetting I should not use that naht bid you watch here, and, if any misfortune befall me, call the others Besides, if there are ene from what direction they may chance upon us However, all we have observed were probably oldbeasts, and I shall soon return to fling o and rest those weary eyes, while I scout to satisfy myself It is only the doubt of a suspicious man"

"I shall not sleep until your safe return," she replied firo forth thus without one to pray for your safe return I beg you, exercise care"

"Have no fear, Madame, I auard my life while it remains of value to you and yours Try to rest at ease, for I will soon return, with a laugh at my foolish suspicions"

I forced the boat into the swollen strea one oar as a paddle, silently and swiftly propelled it directly across Discovering a spot see rass, and stepped ashore She still stood in the tree shadow of the opposite bank, and waving a hand in reassurance, I drew forthsilently, I pressed forward into the thick bed of cane, thinking more of Eloise de Noyan than of the task before e, so extremely difficult as to call back ly fall, for the grass under-foot was led, interspersed with marshy pools of brackish water, a roots spread snares for the feet The sun, noell advanced, gavethe rifle-stock before ed from the low marsh land upon smooth turf, where some brush found foothold, yet not so thickly as to i