The Settlement is upward of three miles from Grier's point. Avoiding the houses for the present, Garth pitched his camp outside, well off the trail. The first thing they learned was that the Bishop had gone on. This time they were not surprised; there seemed to be a fatality in it. The old problem confronted Garth anew.
"I think you should wait here," he suggested to Natalie; "and let me ride on for you."
Natalie, as she always did when this question was brought up, merely looked obstinate.
"It is likely we will miss him again at the Crossing," Garth went on; "and I have learned there are only one or two cabins there, and no white woman. It would be difficult for you."
Natalie's silence gave him no encouragement.
"But here," he urged, "you could stay with the wife of the inspector of the mounted police; while I go on and bring Mabyn back to you. I do not think you should put yourself in his hands."
"He would not come with you," she said evasively.
"I promise to bring him," said Garth determinedly; "if he is alive."
"No!" she said with manifest agitation. "That is another reason!"
"What is?" he asked mystified.