In another moment his brain had cleared itself of that insane fire.

After all, would Tavish kill himself without leaving something behind?
Would there not be some kind of an explanation, written by Tavish before he took the final step?
A confession?
A letter to Father Roland?
Tavish knew that the Missioner would stop at his cabin on his return into the North.

Surely he would not kill himself without leaving some work for him--at least a brief accounting for his act! He began looking about the cabin again, swiftly and eagerly at first, for if Tavish had written anything he would beyond all doubt have placed the paper in some conspicuous place: pinned it at the end of his bunk, or on the wall, or against the door.

They might have overlooked it, or possibly it had fallen to the floor.

To make his search surer David lowered the lamp from its bracket in the ceiling and carried it in his hand.