"A breed, wanted for murder. He's been running for months, making this way and there's an idea that he's sought sanctuary with his mother's tribe at the top end of this lake."
"Ah, then there is an encampment up here?"
"Yes. Didn't you know?"
Stane gave an account of the mysterious visit of the previous night and of the stranger they had seen in the wood that morning and the policeman listened carefully.
"The girl's a puzzler," he said, "but the stranger may be my man. He knows his life is forfeit, and he's ripe for any sort of crime. I guess I'll move on after him when I've had a rest."
"We'll go with you," answered Stane thoughtfully, "we may be able to get dogs from the camp."
"It's just possible," agreed Anderton, "if the Indians will sell. If not, then I'll carry the news of you back to Fort Malsun, and the factor there will send for you like a shot." He was silent for a moment, watching Helen as she laid the table; then he said hesitatingly. "By the by, Stane, did you ever get to the bottom of that unfortunate affair of yours in England?"
"No," was the reply, given with some bitterness, "but the jury did."
"Oh rot!" exclaimed the other. "Nobody who knew you really believes that."
"I have met one man up here who apparently does!"