Thomas would know, and he would take prompt action to prevent Indian Jake's escape with the silver fox skin.

Should it prove, however, that Indian Jake's rifle was of different calibre, he should be freed from suspicion.
It was dusk that evening when the boat bearing Eli and Mark and Mrs.
Horn rounded the island.

Doctor Joe met them.

They had seen the boys and had received from them a detailed account of what had happened, and Mrs.Horn was greatly excited.

Her first thought was for Lem, and she was vastly relieved when she saw him, as he declared he did not feel "so bad," and Doctor Joe assured her he would soon be around again and as well as ever.
Then there fell upon the family a full realization of their loss.