Indian Jake had been the trapping companion of David and Andy the previous winter, and, as previously stated, was this year to be Thomas Angus's trapping partner on the fur trails.
The boys were vastly fond of Indian Jake, and Thomas and Doctor Joe shared their confidence, but the Bay folk generally looked upon him with distrust and suspicion.

Several years before, he had come to the Bay a penniless stranger.

He soon earned the reputation of being one of the best trappers in the region.

Then, suddenly, he disappeared owing the Hudson's Bay Company a considerable sum for equipment and provisions sold him on credit.

It was well known that in the winter preceding his disappearance Indian Jake had had a most successful hunting season and was in possession of ample means to pay his debts.
His failure to apply his means to this purpose was looked upon as highly dishonest--akin, indeed, to theft.
Two years later he reappeared, again penniless.