human nature are remarkable. Something held
him, then he turned quickly from the sled, and stepping up to the old
man's side, stooped, and putting his arms about him, dragged him bodily
into the store. Pierre did not rouse but remained quite still where
Victor left him. Then the trader went out again. His back was turned as
he reached to close the door. It would not quite shut and he pulled it
hard. Then, as it still resisted his efforts, he turned away. As he
turned he reeled back with a great cry.

Something large and dark faced him. And, even in the darkness, he could
make out a shining ring of metal close in front of his face.

Victor's horror-stricken cry was the only sound that came. In the
twinkling of an eye the metal ring disappeared. Victor felt two bony
hands seize him by the throat. The next instant he was hurled to the
ground, and a knee was upon his chest. A weight compressed his lungs and
he could scarcely breathe. Then he felt the revolver belt dragged from
about his waist and his long sheath-knife withdrawn from its sheath.
Then, and not till then, the pressure on his chest relaxed, and the hand
that had gripped his throat released its hold. The next moment he was
lifted to his feet as though he were a mere puppet, and the voice of
Jean Leblaude broke harshly upon his ears.

"Guess your bluff wa'n't wuth a cent, Victor Gagnon. I see'd this comin'
the minit you pass'd me the drink. I 'lows ye ken mostly tell a skunk by
the stink. I rec'nized you awhiles back. Guess you ain't lightin' out o'
here this night. Come right along."

The trader had no choice. Jean had him foul, gripping him with a clutch
that was vise-like. The giant's great strength was irresistible when put
forth in the deadly earnestness of passion, and just now he could hardly
hold his hand from breaking the neck which was so slight beneath his
sinewy fingers.

Just for one instant Victor made a faint struggle. As well attempt to
resist Doom. Jean shook him like a rat and thrust him before him in the
direction of the woods behind the store.

"You'll pay fer this," the trader said, between his teeth.

But Jean gave no heed to his impotent rage. He pushed him along in
silence, nor did he pause till the secret huts were reached. He opened
the door of one and dragged his captive in. There was no light within.
But this seemed no embarrassment to the purposeful man. He strode
straight over to one corner of the room and took a long, plaited