of the best trappers in the region. Then, suddenly, he disappeared
owing the Hudson's Bay Company a considerable sum for equipment and
provisions sold him on credit. It was well known that in the winter
preceding his disappearance Indian Jake had had a most successful
hunting season and was in possession of ample means to pay his debts.
His failure to apply his means to this purpose was looked upon as
highly dishonest--akin, indeed, to theft.

Two years later he reappeared, again penniless. The Company refused
him further credit, and he had no means of purchasing the supplies
necessary for his support during the trapping season in the interior.
It was at this time that Thomas Angus broke his leg, and it became
necessary for David and Andy to take his place on the trails. They
were too young to endure the long months of isolation without an older
and more experienced companion. There was none but Indian Jake to go
with them, and he was engaged to hunt on shares a trail adjacent to
theirs.

With his share of the furs captured by the end of the trapping season,
Indian Jake discharged his old debt with the Company. This was not
sufficient, however, to re-establish confidence in him. There was a
lurking suspicion among them, fostered by Uncle Ben Rudder of Tuggle
Bight, the wiseacre and oracle of the Bay, that Indian Jake's payment
of the debt was not prompted by honesty but by some ulterior motive.

Indian Jake emptied his plate. He refilled it with the last of the
stew and again emptied it, in the interim swallowing several cups of
hot tea.

"Good stew," he remarked in appreciation and praise when his meal was
finished. "When were you gettin' back?"

"I reached The Jug day before yesterday," said Doctor Joe.

"Huh!" Indian Jake grunted approval, as he puffed industriously at his
pipe. "Where you goin' now? To see Lem Horn?"

"No," Doctor Joe answered, "we're going to Fort Pelican to get some
things I brought in on the mail boat."

"I been goose huntin'," Indian Jake explained. "Not much goose yet.
Too early. Got four. Goin' to The Jug now to give Thomas a hand. Want
to start for Seal Lake soon. Don't want to be late."

"Pop's thinkin' to start in a fortnight," said David.

"Good!" acknowledged Indian Jake. "Maybe we start sooner. Start when
we're ready. I want to go quick. Have plenty time get there before
freeze-up."

Indian Jake had apparently finished talking. Doctor Joe and the boys
made several attempt