All this, however, doesn't quite seem to account for the thing." "I've another idea," said Harding.

"Clarke's known as a crank, and he takes advantage of it to cover his doings.

At first, I thought of the whisky trade; but taking up prohibited liquor would hardly be worth his while; though I dare say he has some with him to be used for gaining his Indian friends' good will.

He's on the trail of something, and it's probably minerals.

What the prospector told us suggested it to me." "You may be right.