The morning was hot, and Fothergill on a bench in the shadow cleaned his belts and boots. On the plains one must be resigned to dust, but at the fort Fothergill indulged his fastidiousness. Moreover, Helen Fraser was fastidious and remarkably attractive. As a rule, she was friendly, and sometimes she allowed Fothergill to engage her in rather confidential talk. In fact, he was satisfied to remain at St. Martin.
Summer was come, and the dark spruces were checkered by fresh shoots; the poplars and larches were vivid green. The river was full, and its turmoil rolled across the trees; but the measured throb was soothing and did not break the calm. Ducks and geese, steering north in wedge formation, trailed across the serene sky. All was fresh and bracing, but Fothergill knew the wilds in othe
