He lived in a little cabin out there on the edge of the clearing, and when I went to it to-night there was a sapling over the house with a flag at the end of it.

When the plague comes to us we hang out a red flag as a warning to others.
That is one of our laws.

The flag is blown to tatters by the winds.
He is dead." Howland shuddered.
"Of the smallpox ?" "Yes." For a few moments they stood in silence.

Then Croisset added, "You will remain here, M'seur, until I return." He went out, closing and barring the door from the other side, and Howland seated himself again in the chair beside the table.

Fifteen minutes later the half-breed returned, bearing with him a good-sized pack and a two-gallon jug.
"There is wood back of the stove, M'seur.