He lost no time at Lac Bain, writing his letter to Inspector MacGregor on the same day that he arrived.

Only two of the dogs which the Indian had brought into the post were fit to travel, and with these, and a light sledge on which he packed his equipment he set off alone for Fond du Lac.

A week later he reached the post.

He found Hutt, the factor, abed with a sprained knee, and the only other men at the post were three Chippewayans, who could neither talk nor understand English.
"DeBar is gone," groaned Hutt, after Philip had made himself known.

"A rascal of a Frenchman came in last night on his way to the Grand Rapid, and this morning DeBar was missing.