There was much rejoicing among the women and children when the men returned to the settlement with the moose.  It had been skinned and carefully divided.  Some carried their portions, while others bore theirs suspended on poles from shoulder to shoulder.  Thus for the first time since leaving their old homes did the exiles have a sufficient supply of meat.

A new life now pervaded the settlement.  During the following days and weeks the men roamed the forest-clad hills and valleys in search of game.  Directed by Dane, they soon became quite skilful hunters, especially the Colonel, who was never happier than when out in the woods.  Then around the big camp-fire at night, the men would relate their thrilling and humorous experiences during the day.

This was a pleasant time for Dane.  He had shifted his camping-place from the lake to the shore of the creek, and here he had built for himself a small abode, covering the roof and sides with wide strips of birch bark to keep out the rain.  He was very skilful at such work, and a happy afternoon it was for him when he first showed Jean his finished cabin.  They had come by water, and the bow of the canoe was resting upon the shore.  It was here that they had met three weeks before, and under the big maple Dane had erected his little building.  The tree had put on its scarlet bunting, and touched by the bright September sun, glowed its welcome to the young lovers.

Jean examined the cabin most carefully, and her admiration was unbounded.

“I think it is splendid!” she enthusiastically exclaimed.  “You never told me anything about it.”

“I wanted to surprise you,” Dane explained.  “I have been so busy with other things that I have had little time to work here, so only finished it a few days ago.”

“And will you live here all the time?” Jean eagerly asked.

The young man smiled as he looked fondly upon the girl’s animated face and sparkling eyes.  Then he shook his head.

“I wish I could live here, Jean.  But I have a dozen such cabins in various places, and I must spend some time in them during the coming winter.  They are my stopping-places, you see, when I am carrying messages for Davidson.  No doubt he is very angry now at my long absence, so I shall have to go away in a day or two.”

“But you will come back soon, will you not?”

“Do you really want me to come back soon?” Dane asked.

“W-why certainly,” the girl stammered, while her face suddenly flushed.  “I hope you will use this cabin often.”

“I will make it larger and stay here all the time, if you want me to.”

“Oh, will you?  How nice that would be.”

“But only if you will stay with me.”

“Oh!” It was all that Jean could say, for his meaning was now quite clear.  Her eyes dropped, and her body slightly trembled.

Impulsively Dane reached out and took both of her hands in his.