growing Adresol in all the glory of full bloom. Here was an
inexhaustible supply of the drug the world of healing science was crying
out for. It was here, in its deadliest form, awaiting the reapers. A
harvest such as would accomplish everything he had ever hoped to
achieve.

And as the moments passed, and his confidence in the protecting mask
grew, so a wonderful spirit buoyed him. It was a condition he had parted
from many years ago. A happy, joyous smile lit his eyes. It grew, and
broke into a laugh. He reached out and daringly plucked a great stem
supporting a perfect bloom. He stood gazing into the deep, cup-like
heart for prolonged moments. He was thinking of Ian Ross and the days so
far back in his mind. Fifteen years? Yes. More. And now----

He contemplated with joy the labours ahead. The return to Oolak and
Julyman. The work of the harvest. The portaging of it. The packing of
the sleds. Then the long, last homeward trail with a success achieved
beyond his dreams. It was something indeed to have lived for and
laboured for. Marcel!

CHAPTER XVI

KEEKO AND NICOL

It was all so drab, so cheerless. Outside the snow was still piled to
the depth of many feet, the ice still held the river in its chill
embrace. But the temperature was rising. The open season was advancing.

Keeko was aware of it. There were weeks of melting to pass yet. But
soon----

Inside, the vault-like store was warm enough. But it was dark, and
squalid, and it reeked with the taint which only the centuries can
impart. These things impressed themselves never so much upon Keeko as
now, while she sat over the warming stove.

She had just returned from Seal Bay. She had passed most of the winter
on the trail with her Indians. She preferred their company in desperate
circumstances to the associations of Fort Duggan. During those long
months she had planned the future for herself, a future which had
nothing to do with Nicol, but which took him into her calculations. She
possessed a wonderful faculty for clear thinking. And her decision had
been irrevocably taken.

Nicol was leaning on the heavy oaken bench that served him for a
counter, and about him, and behind him, were the piled stocks of his
trade. He was preoccupied. Keeko was glad enough. She had returned only
in the execution of her plans, and to prepare for the moment when she
intended to steal her freedom, and shut this man's companionship for
ever out of her life.

Just no