"They've been away these five days gettin' the winter outfit at Fort Pelican." If Indian Jake were guilty, it was highly probable that he would take prompt steps to flee the country.

He could not dispose of the silver fox skin in the Bay, for all the local traders had already seen and appraised it, and they would undoubtedly recognize it if it were offered them.

Indian Jake would probably plunge into the interior, spend the winter hunting, and in the spring make his way to the St.
Lawrence, where he would be safe from detection.
Doctor Joe made these calculations while he sat by the bedside, and his patient dozed.

He was sorry now that he had not sent the boys back to The Jug with a letter to Thomas explaining what had occurred.

All the evidence pointed to Indian Jake's guilt, and there could be little doubt of it if it should prove that the half-breed carried a thirty-eight fifty-five rifle.