He would tell her the truth.

He would tell her the police were after him from one end of the Canadian northland to the other.

And that same night, with Peter, he would hit the trail for the Barren Lands, a thousand miles away.

He was sure of himself now--sure--even as the dark wall of the forest across the plain faded out, and gave place to a pale, girlish face with eyes blue as flowers, and brown curls filled with the lustre of the sun--a face that had taken the place of mother, sister and God deep down in his soul.

Yes, he was sure of himself--even with that face rising lo give battle to his last great test of honor.