and fro,
while she listened to the talk of the woman.

She felt strangely attracted by her. Some old memory link of the past
was aroused. Had she seen that face before, and if so, when and where?
While talking and asking questions Helen's mind was in an analytical
mood, dissecting, so far as she could, everything associated with her
appearance and life. Who was she? Where had she seen her? Was it
possible that their lives had ever touched each other--this woman,
double her own age and of different station? Yes, there was a link
somewhere. Of this she felt sure. She must solve the mystery, but not
now. To find a spot to rest in was enough for the present.

  [Illustration: "Strangers and yet not strangers"

  _Page 72_]




  CHAPTER XXIII.


The few remaining hourslater on build your shipyard at the foot of
the hill down by the bay."

"What about the men's quarters?"

"Build them right behind the fort."

"You notice that little narrow island to the south of Latimer's boat?"

"Yes; it commands the mouth of the harbor direct, and would be a fine
place to build a magazine with a battery of guns."

"A good idea, Captain. When summer comes perhaps we can manage it with
our light cannon. It is lucky they were no bigger. If they had been it
would have been impossible to portage them so far through the woods."

"To put up the buildings every man will have to work," said Payne.

"There need be no reserve on that score," returned George. "How are you
off for tools?"

"Starting at London and ending at Montreal, we secured a