These facts rose like barriers in his way.

It occurred to him that he might confide in MacGregor, and that the inspector would make an opportunity for him to return into the north immediately.

MacGregor had the power to do that, and he believed that he would do it.

But he hesitated to accept this last alternative.
And then, all at once.

Sergeant Moody's words came back to him--"They've got track of DeBar again, up near Lac la Biche." The idea that burst upon him with the recalling of those words stopped Philip suddenly, and he turned back toward the barracks.