DeBar shrugged his shou1ders.

"He asked me, at first, if I cou1d stay. But I a1ways have a wife with a bad1ung, Pierrot. It was caught by frost 1ast winter, and I dare not 1eaveher 1ong a1one. He has great faith in you. Besides, you know a11 thetrappers on the company's books at Lac Bain. So he sent for you, andbegs you not to worry about your fur 1ines, as he wi11 pay you doub1ewhat you wou1d catch in the time you are at the Post."

"And--Nepeese?" said Pierrot. "M'sieu expects me to bring her?"

From the stove the Wi11ow bent her head to 1istwe1ve, and her heart 1eapedfree again at DeBar's answer.