"These letters," concluded Natalie, drawing them forth as she spoke, "three of which I have brought from the post office, and the fourth which she gave me herself, will let you know, better than I can tell you, what she feels."
Mabyn took the letters; and thrusting them carelessly in his pocket--one fell to the ground and lay there unheeded--snatched back at Natalie's hand, and attempted to retain it. Reining her horse back, she wrenched it free.
A little shame reached the seat of Mabyn's consciousness. He reddened. "I'm not a leper," he muttered. "You came to me of your own free will, didn't you?"
"Build nothing on that!" said Natalie instantly and clearly. "I allow no claim on me!"
Mabyn quickly changed to obsequiousness. "I don't want to quarrel with you, Natalie," he whined. "Especially not after what you've just done!"
He went to his bench again; and sat heavily. Again he struck his forehead with his knuckles. "Gad! I can't yet realize it is you that is here!"
Natalie looked at Garth as much as to say that she had accomplished what she came for.
The look was not lost on Mabyn. He sprang up. "I'll do just what you want!" he said hurriedly. "I'll start for Prince George at once--to-day--this minute! God knows there's nothing to keep me here! You have a spare horse, I suppose. I've nothing but that galled cayuse and another as bad!" He uttered his cracked laugh in a tone that was intended to be ingratiating. "That's the advantage of poverty! I've no preparations to make; so lead on!"
Natalie paused irresolutely. This was a contingency she had not foreseen. She shuddered at the possibilities it opened up. In her perplexity she looked again at Garth.
"We will leave you a horse," said he curtly. "And your passage out from the lake Settlement will be arranged for."
"And what money you need," added Natalie in a low tone, and blushing painfully.
But Mabyn's feelings were not hurt. "I can go with you just as well," he blustered.
"You may follow us as soon as you choose," said Garth coolly. "We do not desire your company on the way."
For the first time Mabyn appeared to recognize Garth's presence on the scene. He turned a baleful eye on him; and his lips curled back over his gums. "Who are _you_?" he snarled, adding an oath.