A PASSIONATE RIVAL. 207 



As Pierre passed him one morning, the pent-up 

 jealousy which his attentions had excited at length 

 burst forth. The interview took place at a spot on the 

 banks of the Athabasca not four hundred yards from 

 the fort. Pierre having observed that some one was 

 standing motionless by the water, advanced slowly; 

 and when within a short distance recognized his rival, 

 whose name was M'Leod. 



Not wishing to appear desirous of avoiding him, the 

 young trapper approached, and courteously bade him 

 good-morning. To his surprise, M'Leod took no notice of 

 his presence, but continued to gaze steadily upon the river. 



Suddenly he turned, and in a voice hoarse with 

 passion exclaimed, 



"How dare you speak to me, you sneaking wolf- 

 catcher ? With your Frenchified airs and graces you 

 step across an honest man's path, and wriggle yourself 

 into the confidence of people, who, if they knew you as 

 well as I do, would kick you into the Athabasca." 



"And if you know me so very well," said Pierre 

 quietly, " why don't you kick me into the Athabasca ?" 



"Because I have too much respect for one whose 

 name I will not mention in your presence, to make a 

 brawl with a wandering butcher like you," replied 

 M'Leod. 



" You are very careful of your reputation in the 

 interest of others," said Pierre scornfully; "but this 

 shall not serve your purpose. You shall not escape me 

 in this manner." 



