"Yes, I was there this morning; Stane and I have just come from there."
Again the flicker of doubt came in Ainley's eyes, and in the glow of the firelight, Helen saw a look of apprehension come on his face. It was there for but a moment, then it was gone, but in that moment the girl had seen deeply into Ainley's heart, and knew that fear was rapidly mounting there.
"Ah! you also followed Chigmok's trail, I suppose. But I was there first. I followed a shorter route and I was at his camp waiting for him when he showed up. I saw Miss Yardely on the sledge, and as for the moment we were three against three, I felt that it was not an occasion when chances should be taken, so we fired from the bushes on the three kidnappers and shot them down. Then as there was another sledge coming on behind, I removed Miss Yardely to my own sledge, and to escape further trouble we pushed the dogs hard till we got here.... And that's about all, I think."
He fell silent for a moment, and sat there watching the two white men and the white girl who had heard the conclusion of his narrative. They remained quite still, and not one of the three spoke. Ainley evidently found the silence too much for his nerves, for after a little time had passed in profound silence, he flashed out irritably:
"Well, what do you think of my story?"
"It is a very interesting story," said Anderton at last.
A quick look of relief came into Ainley's face. "You think I was justified in shooting down those three kidnappers then?"
"On the face of things—yes! If your story is the correct one there is not the slightest doubt that you followed the right course."
"You don't doubt its correctness?" flashed Ainley.
"I have not said so," answered the policeman gravely, "but so far, as you will see, I have only your word for it."