The few white trappers and prospectors who now and then entered the wilds were, for the most part, good-humored, sociable men; the _Metis_ and Indians were friendly.

Indeed, the proper line was for him to invite the strangers to share his camp, but he hesitated.

He had got suspicious since he promised to help in the search for Strange's silver, and trappers and Indians did not travel at night.
As he pondered the matter, a dark object came out of the misty background on the lake.

It was indistinct, but by its height and slow movements he knew it was a man.

It vanished presently where the pines cut off his view, but three others followed after an interval, two apparently hauling a loaded sledge.