Rod was close beside him and for a full minute the mad hunter gazed up into his face, then once more he sank off into that strange unconsciousness which had overcome him in the cavern.

Rod rose white-faced and turned to Mukoki and Wabigoon.
"I'm afraid--he's dying," he said.
The Indians made no answer.

For several minutes the three sat silently about John Ball watching for signs of returning consciousness.

At last Mukoki roused himself to take a pot of soup from the fire.

The movement seemed to stir John Ball into life, and Rod was at his side again, holding a cup of water to his lips.