Jack, the Cree, had built a rousing fire in the long sheet-iron stove, and as Steele opened its furnace-like door, a flood of light poured out into the gathering gloom of early evening.
Drawing a chair full into the light, he again opened the letter.

Line for line and word for word he scrutinized the writing, and with each breath that he drew he found himself more deeply thrilled by a curious mental excitement which it was impossible for him to explain.

According to the letter.

Colonel and Mrs.Becker had arrived at Churchill aboard the London ship a little over a month previously.

He remembered that the date on the letter from the girl was six weeks old.