When the latter rots and cracks, _voyageurs_ and prospectors wait until the melting snow sweeps the grinding floes away and canoes can be launched.

To push through tangled bush and across soft muskegs costs heavy labor.
"They were taking up a big load and couldn't march fast," he said.
"I understand you don't know Stormont ?" "I know his character--and unless he's badly slandered that's enough! I haven't met him, but I'm nearly sure it was a city man I saw in Driscoll's camp." "Stormont's indicated," Scott replied.

"I reckon Driscoll went to him because he needed capital; but he wouldn't put another fellow on the track.

If we take it for granted that he did go, the mystery about Strange's letters is cleared up.

It's characteristic that Stormont tried to steal them before he made Miss Strange his offer." "In a way, it's curious that he did make an offer!" Scott smiled.