He thought once more of the cruel
revenges meted out by these Radicals. Should he give the diamonds to one
to whom they did not belong, the penalty would be swift and sure.

Johnny did, however, press into her hand a card with his name and a
certain address in Chicago written upon it and he did urge her to come
there should she visit America.

He had hardly left the igloo when a startling question came to his mind.
Why had the Russian gone away without further attempt to recover the
treasure now in Johnny's possession? He had indeed twice searched the
American's igloo in his absence and once had made an unsuccessful attack
upon his person. He had gained nothing. The diamonds were still safe in
Johnny's pocket. What could cause the man to abandon them? Here, indeed,
must be one of the big men of the cult, perhaps the master of them all.

With this thought came another, which left Johnny cold. The cult had
spies and avengers everywhere. They were numerous in the United States.
They could afford to wait. Johnny could be trusted to cross the Strait
soon. There would be time enough then. His every move would be watched,
and when the time was ripe there would be a battle for the treasure.

That night, by the light of the glorious Arctic moon Johnny found his
way across the solid shore ice and climbed upon the drifting floes,
which were even now shifting and slowly piling. He was on his way to
America. Perhaps he was the first American to walk from the old world to
his native land. Certainly, he had never attempted thirty-five miles of
travel which was fraught with so many perils.

CHAPTER X

THE JAP GIRL IN PERIL

Hardly had Johnny made his way across the shore ice and begun his
dangerous journey when things of a startling nature began to happen to
the Jap girl.

She was seated in her igloo sewing a garment of eider duck skins, when
three rough-looking Chukches entered and, without ceremony, told her by
signs that she must accompany them.

She was conducted to the largest igloo in the village. This she found
crowded with natives, mostly men. She was led to the center of the
floor, which was vacant, the natives being ranged round the sides of the
place.

Instantly her eyes searched the frowning faces about her for a clue to
this move. She soon found it. In the throng, she recognized five of the
reindeer Chukches, members of that band which had attempted to murder
Johnny Thompson and herself.

Their prese