For a few moments the dog did not seem to sense his freedom; then, like a shot--so unexpectedly that he almost took David off his feet--he leaped over the birch log and disappeared in the forest.

The Frenchman was amused.
"The wolves," he reminded softly.

"He will be with them to-night, m'sieu--that outlaw!" Not until the crack of Mukoki's long, caribou-gut whip had set the Missioner's eight dogs tense and alert in their traces did Father Roland return for a moment into the cabin to give Marie the locket.

He came back quickly, and at a signal from him Mukoki wound up the 9-foot lash of his whip and set out ahead of the dogs.

They followed him slowly and steadily, keeping the broad runners of the sledge in the trail he made.
The Missioner dropped in immediately behind the sledge, and David behind him.