His fears were gone.

He no longer saw anything to dread in the white wilderness.
He was eager to go on, eager to reach Tavish's.

Ever since Father Roland had spoken of Tavish that desire had been growing within him.

Tavish had not only come from the Stikine River; he had lived on Firepan Creek.

It was incredible that he should not know of the Girl: who she was; just where she lived; why she was there.