CHAPTER XII.
GATHERING SHADOWS.
Ambrose, hastening back to Gaviller's house with a heart full of anxiety, came upon Gordon Strange as he rounded the corner of the company store.

The breed was at the door.

Evidently he harbored no resentment, for his face lighted up at the sight of an old friend.
"Well!" he said.

"So you came to see us." Ambrose felt the same unregenerate impulse to punch the smooth face.
However, with more circumspection than upon the previous occasion, he returned a civil answer.
"Have you heard ?" asked Strange, with an expression of serious concern.
Ambrose reflected that Strange probably knew a message had been sent.
"Heard what ?" he asked non-committally.
"Mr.Gaviller was taken sick last night." "What's the matter with him ?" asked Ambrose quickly.
Strange shrugged.

"I do not know exactly.