212 THE MEETING ON THE MEADOW. 



homicide for a mere punctilio or an idea. These van- 

 ished before the criticism of his conscience. 



Smothering the suggestions of his better nature, the 

 young hunter left the fort in the gray light of dawn, 

 and directed his steps towards the beaver meadow, 

 which lay embosomed in the woods at the distance of 

 about a mile from the Athabasca. The fog which 

 enwrapped the surrounding scenery was scarcely more 

 chilling to the senses than were the thoughts which 

 occupied our trapper on his way to the rendezvous. 

 The criminality of the act he was engaged in, the un- 

 certain issue of the duel, and the pain it had cost him 

 to keep the matter hidden from his tried and trusted 

 companions, weighed down his spirits and made him 

 completely wretched. 



The indulgence of our passions often demands as 

 many sacrifices as the practice of virtue ; and yet how 

 many are ready to acquiesce in the one, and how few 

 to follow the other ! 



Leaden as were the steps which led Pierre towards 

 the place of appointment, he at length emerged from 

 the shades of the forest ; and as he did so, his eye fell 

 upon the figure of his antagonist, already upon the 

 ground and leaning on his rifle. 



On seeing Pierre approach, M'Leod advanced to meet 

 him, and with an affectation of courtesy touched his 

 hat ; which salute was gravely returned by the trapper. 



" I am glad," he observed, as he looked insultingly at 

 Pierre, " that you are not such a slink as I took you 



