"We had a little business up the Stanley," said Joe.
Ralph had at least the satisfaction of learning that he had made them sweat for ten days.
"How did he come here?" asked Joe.
"Sick and starving," said Jim bitterly. "Said he lost his boat in the Stanley rapids."
"If he did, it's God's justice!" said Joe piously.
Ralph smiled peculiarly.
"What funny business has he been up to around your camp?" asked Joe.
"That's my affair," said Jim grimly. "I will deal with him as I see fit."
Joe looked at him with an ugly glitter, and decided to swallow the rebuke. "Sure!" he said easily. "He's got a pardner," he went on, "a good-looking Indian wench who calls herself Annie Crossfox. Has she been around here?"
Ralph roused himself sharply. "Sholto, think how you answer!" he cried. "You and I have our differences, but you're an honest man! You've got nothing to do with this vermin! Look in their faces; it's written plain enough there. They can't look in a man's eyes, the mean and cowardly——"