There was but one thing for him to do now, and that was to hasten on to Fort Churchill, giving up all hope of finding Isobel and the colonel before he met them there.
Four days later he came into the post.

The news that awaited him struck him dumb.

Isobel and her father, with one Indian, had gone with the sledge into the South.

The Indian who had driven on to Churchill could give no further information, except that he knew the colonel and his daughter had suddenly changed their minds about coming to Churchill.
Perhaps they had gone to Nelson House, or York Factory--or even to Le Pas.

He did not know.
It was with a heavy heart that Philip turned his face once more toward Lac Bain.