And now Philip saw that behind the calmness in his eyes there was a tense and anxious inquiry.
Slowly the truth broke upon him.

It could not have been Jean with whom he had fought in the edge of the forest! He advanced a step or two toward the half-breed, his hand still resting uncertainly on his pistol.

Not until then did Jean speak, and there was no pretence in his voice: "The Virgin be praised, you are not badly hurt, M'sieur ?" he exclaimed, rising.

"There is a little blood on your face.

Did the glass cut you ?" "No," said Philip.