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 "Most assuredly."

"Then, remember, that I am always stumbling along, allowing myself to be deceived and duped into doing silly things, and sometimes, as you have just told me, compromising things; weigh all these and call your play '.'" She laughed merrily, but there was a certain earnestness in her jest.

"But where is Robert?" Latham suddenly asked. While avowing his devotion to his friend, he had not until now thought of asking this question, nor had it occurred to Cherokee to explain his absence.

"He took his rifle and went out for a hunt," she said, after a moment's silence. "He begged that you would excuse him."

"I find ample excuse in the pleasure of being alone with you."

"Don't say that; we must do nothing but what will profit and further the end he seeks."

"Trust me, I hope to be strong; we must see a little of each other."

"This is surely best," she answered, with suppressed emotion.

"And yet, and yet," he added, as if speaking to himself, "I have much to communicate to you, but loyalty to my friend forbids confidences, though it