When they had eaten supper that evening and cleared the table David stepped out for a look at the weather, and returning reported:
"'Twill be a nasty night. The snow's started and the wind's risin'. 'Tis wonderful frosty, too, for a wind."
"Let's see how cold it is," said Doctor Joe, stepping out to consult his spirit thermometer. "Thirty-eight below zero. Frosty enough with a gale, and a gale's rising," he reported. "I'm glad we're all snug inside."
"Tell us a story," Jamie suggested, as they settled themselves comfortably by the fire.
"There's dogs comin'!" Andy broke in.
David ran to the door, and a moment later ushered Eli Horn into the cabin.
"What's the matter, Eli? Has anything happened?" asked Doctor Joe, immediately concerned for Margaret's safety.
"Margaret's safe," said Eli with suppressed excitement. "There's murder at the Post!"
Questions brought forth the fact that Eli and Margaret had reached the Post at about half-past three and found the people in confusion. Three lumbermen from Grampus River had come there. There had been a dispute among them and one of them was stabbed. The other two had immediately departed, presumably to return to the lumber camps. Eli did not know how seriously the man was injured. He had not seen him. It had occurred shortly before his arrival, and at Margaret's suggestion he had turned directly about and returned to The Jug to fetch Doctor Joe to attend the injured man.
"My dogs is fagged," said Eli, "and 'twere slow comin' back."