lariat
from the wall. In three minutes Victor was trussed and laid upon the
ground bound up like a mummy.

Now Jean lighted a lamp and looked down at his victim; there was not the
faintest sign of drink about him, and as Victor noticed this he cursed
himself bitterly.

There was an impressive silence. Then Jean's words came slowly. He
expressed no emotion, no passion; just the purpose of a strong man who
moves relentlessly on to his desired end.

Gagnon realized to the full the calamity which had befallen him.

"Ye'll wait right here till Davi' gits back. She's goin' to git her ears
full o' you, I guess. Say, she was sweet on you--mighty sweet. But she's
that sensible as it don't worry any. Say, you ain't goin' to marry that
gal; ye never meant to. You're a skunk, an' I'd as lief choke the life
out o' ye as not. But I'm goin' to pay ye sorer than that. Savvee? Ye'll
bide here till Davi' comes. I'll jest fix this wedge in your mouth till
I've cleared them drivers out o' the store. I don't fancy to hear your
lungs exercisin' when I'm busy."

With easy deftness Jean gagged his prisoner. Then he glanced round the
windowless shack to see if there was any weapon or other thing about
that could possibly assist the trader to free himself. Having assured
himself that all was safe he put out the light and passed out, securing
the door behind him.

CHAPTER XIII.

OUT ON THE NORTHLAND TRAIL

Noon, the following day, saw the dog-train depart on its homeward
journey. The way of it was curious and said much for the simplicity of
these "old hands" of the northland trail. They were giants of learning
in all pertaining to their calling; infants in everything that had to do
with the world of men.

Thus Jean Leblaude's task was one of no great difficulty. It was
necessary that he should throw dust in their eyes. And such a dust storm
he raised about their simple heads that they struck the trail utterly
blinded to the events of the previous night.

While they yet slumbered Jean had freed the dogs from their traces, and
unloaded the sled which bore the treasure-chest. He had restored
everything to its proper place; and so he awaited the coming of the
morning. He did not sleep; he watched, ready for every emergency.

When, at last, the two men stirred he was at hand. Rolling Pierre over
he shook him violently till the old man sat up, staring about him in a
daze. A beaker of rum was thrust against his parched lips, and h