anything to punish Seguis for his crime, and this
ruffianly collection of free-traders would have disbanded,
leaderless."

"But," expostulated McTavish, "surely you do not counsel murder as
a punishment for murder."

"I counsel measures to fit needs. In this vast desolation, I am
the law; I represent the inevitable result of a cause, the inexorable,
never-failing punishment of a wrong. As my lieutenant, you also
represent it. Charley Seguis should either be dead or a prisoner
here."

Donald did not answer. Theoretically, the factor was right; according
to all the traditions of the Company, he spoke the truth. But he
had evidently forgotten that even the Company he worshiped was made
up of men, who were human and not omnipotent. Carried too far,
his premises were unjust, ridiculous, and untenable. But of what
good were arguments?

"Then, I have failed in my duty?" McTavish asked, wearily.

"Judge for yourself."

"What are your next orders for me?"

"A hundred dollars fine and a month's confinement in the fort here."

McTavish shrank back as though a blow had been aimed at him.

"You can't mean it, Mr. Fitzpatrick," he cried, passionately. "I
have earned no such disgrace. Command anything but that; send me
to the ends of the district; let me go back to Sturgeon Lake, and
throw my life away there, if you must have it; send me to the
loneliest trading-post in Keewatin, but don't disgrace me needlessly,
unjustly."

"I can only do what my conscience dictates," said the factor coldly.

"Well, all I can say is, that, if heaven has a conscience like
yours, God help you when you die, Mr. Fitzpatrick."

The factor touched a bell, and, an instant later Tee-ka-mee stepped
noiselessly into the room.

"Take Mr. McTavish to his room in the old barracks," Fitzpatrick
directed. "And, by the way, please ask Miss Jean to come here a
moment. I wish to speak with her."

At the innocent request, Tee-ka-mee almost fell to the floor with
terror.

"What's the matter with you, you demon?" growled the factor. "Have
you been drinking again?"

"No, no, no," cried the Indian, hastily. "I am afraid--I must tell
you--Miss Jean--Oh, what can I say?"

"In heaven's name, what's the matter? What's this about Miss Jean?"
shouted the factor.

"She is gone, sir, disappeared completely!" cried the frightened
Indian. "Her serving-woman has been searching for hours. She went
tobogganing out behind the fort at ten o'clock, with the miss