Page:November Joe.pdf/55

 been away three weeks or more, and all had started in canoes, except Lyon, who, having sold his, went on foot.

Next, by imperceptible degrees, the talk slid round to the subject of Lyon's wife. They had been married four years and had no child. She had been the belle of St. Amiel, and there had been no small competition for her hand. Of the absent men, both Miller and Fitz Gurd had been her suitors, and the former and Lyon had never been on good terms since the marriage. The younger Gurd was a wild fellow, and only his brother's influence kept him straight. So much we heard before November wrapped up our purchases and we took our leave.

No sooner were we away than I put my eager question: "What do you think of it?"

Joe shrugged his shoulders.

"Do you know any of these men?"

"All of them."

"How about the fellow who is on bad terms with—"

November seized my arm.

A man was approaching through the dusk. As he passed, my companion hailed him.