Hunter's lifted hand checked him.
"Marcel, first I am a preacher of the gospel; also, I am a doctor of medicine. I came into the north to minister to the bodies as well as to the souls of its people. Do not speak of money. This case demands that we start at once. Have you good dogs?"
The drawn face of Marcel lighted with gratitude.
Troubled and mystified by the attitude of Wallace, McKenzie broke in, "He's surely got the best dogs on this coast—made a record trip down. But, Mr. Hunter, I'll not agree to your starting in this hell outside. You must wait until daylight. The Inspector has decided that it would be impossible to keep the trail."
"I came here to aid those in extremis," replied the missionary. "I will take the risk to save this girl. It's a matter of days and we may be too late as it is."
"T'anks, M'sieu, her brother, Père Breton, weel not forget your kindness; and I—I weel nevaire forget." The eyes of Marcel glowed with gratitude.
"Then it's understood that you start at daylight, if the wind won't blow you off the ice. I'll see you then." And McKenzie, looking hard at Marcel and Hunter, went out.
When the factor had closed the door, Jean turned to Dr. Hunter.
"Thees man who marries her een June, ees afraid to go. Weel Mr. Hunter start wid me at midnight?"
The big missionary gripped Marcel's hand as he said with a smile, "I did not promise McKenzie I would not go. At midnight we start for Whale River."