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326 He did not want it, for Tempest would have seemed to him less than human if he could have given it. But, gradually, he was realising, keenly, bitterly, that he was controlled and driven by the blind forces of the universe only, and that for Tempest and Jennifer there was a higher grade.

Life made sport of them and tied their feet, even as his were tied. But it could not break their spirits. They were nearer that supreme thing which Jennifer called God, and which Tempest had once called Understanding. And for the sacrifice of self which that required of them they had surely found the compensation. And then Dick rolled over, looking straight at Tempest where he talked with Sherwood in the sunlight, and he wondered if this man was to use for Canada only all those great and rich gifts for which his life had qualified him.

Gillington and Otway were speaking together, low-voiced, and before them stood an Indian girl with restless, beseeching eyes which made Dick think of Andree's as he had seen them sometimes. Her coarse, black hair was parted over the young forehead and hung on her shoulders in two thick plaits. There was a little moss-bag baby in the curve of her arm, and two round-eyed, tottering, elder babies clung to her ragged black skirts. She looked so very young and undefended, and Dick felt curious to know what was puzzling the white men in connection with her. Gillington sat up at last, pushing his hat back. His ruddy, jolly face was troubled.

"Sorry, Leaf-of-the-woods," he said. "I can't do it. I'll give you Treaty for yourself and the other two; but I can't let you have it for the baby."

The baby, as though understanding its repudiation, gave a little cry where the girl moved it on her arm. Tempest turned with a half-spoken sentence on his lips. It broke as he looked at Leaf-of-the-woods, and Dick knew why. Those soft wide eyes had brought Andree to Tempest also.

"What's wrong?" he asked of Gillington, and Gillington rubbed his nose vexedly.

"Why—she can't account for the kiddie. He isn't one of Canada's legitimate citizens, and I can't pay him Treaty."

"Poor little beggar." Tempest regarded the placid