om in his search for the vein, and had seen the
smoke of Thirlwell's fire. He could now follow back the latter's trail
and then make for the Record Office after altering the stakes. If he did
so, the probability was that he would arrive too late, but accidents
often happen in the bush and Thirlwell meant to leave nothing to luck.
Moreover, Stormont had given him a hint when he tried to bribe Drummond
to damage the canoes. In the wilds, travel depends upon the means of
transport, since one cannot go far without food, and Thirlwell did not
see why he should not carry on the game Stormont had meant to play. He
told Drummond his plan.

"Well," said the latter thoughtfully, "I guess his packers will be
asleep in camp, but we want to get there before he does and he's gone
off first."

"He'll go round by the log he talked about and I don't think he's able
to walk very fast. Then we'll save some time by going through the
creek."

"That's so," Drummond agreed. "We'd better hustle."

They crossed the mouth of the creek, wading among the boulders and
swimming a few yards, and then followed the edge of the lake. They could
see for some distance across the water, but the woods were dark and
Stormont would have some trouble in making his way through the brush. He
would be behind them if he came down to the lake, but it was obvious
that they must carry out their plans before he arrived.

When Thirlwell thought they were near the camp they left the beach and
crept cautiously into the darkness among the trees that grew upon a
rocky point. Now and then the underbrush rustled and a low branch
cracked, but they heard nothing when they stopped and listened. After a
few minutes they reached the other side of the point and lay down among
the stones. In front, a narrow bay opened, with the shadowy bush running
round. Two canoes lay on the beach, and although they were black and
indistinct, Thirlwell imagined they had only been pulled up a few feet.

Farther back, the glow of a fire flickered among the trunks, but it was
a small fire and burned low and red. Stormont had, no doubt, given
orders that no smoke must be made. A tent, half seen in the gloom, stood
at the edge of the bush, but Thirlwell could not see the packers. It
looked as if they were asleep, because all was quiet except for the wind
in the trees and the distant splash of the creek. The breeze was light
but blew off the shore. This would suit Thirlwell's plan, but it would