It was difficult for him to repress the trembling eagerness in his voice, as he said: "Well, I'm here.

I wonder if they want to see me--now." "Suppose they do," replied Breed, slowly lighting his pipe.

"But you've hung off too long.

They're gone." "Gone ?" Philip stared at the factor.
"Gone ?" he demanded again.
"Left this morning--for Churchill," affirmed Breed.

"Two sledges, two Indians, the colonel and Miss Isobel." For a few moments Philip stood in silence, staring straight out through the one window of the room with his back to the factor.
"Did they leave any word for me ?" he asked.
"No." "Then--I must follow them!" He spoke the words more to himself than to Breed.