at it would not be long before the agent was
informed of her disappearance, and that the Indian police--trailers who
were the half-breed's equal in threading the ways of the
wilderness--would soon be on McFann's tracks. After her first shock of
surprise she had little fear of McFann. The thought that disturbed her
most of all was--Talpers. She knew of the strange partnership of the
men. Likewise she felt that McFann would not have embarked upon any such
crime alone. The thought of Talpers recurred so steadily that the lithe
figure of the half-breed in front of her seemed to change into the
broad, almost misshapen form of the trader.

The first real fear that had come to her since the strange journey began
surged over Helen when McFann led the way into the glade where he had
been camped, and she saw a dreaded and familiar figure stooped over a
small fire, engaged in frying bacon. But there was nothing of triumph in
Talpers's face as he straightened up and saw Helen. Amazement flitted
across the trader's features, succeeded by consternation.

"Now you've done it and done it right!" exclaimed the trader, with a
shower of oaths directed at Jim McFann. "Didn't have the nerve to shoot
at a purty face like that, did you? Git her into that tent while you and
me set down and figger out what we're goin' to do!"

The half-breed helped Helen dismount and told her to go to his tent, a
small, pyramid affair at one end of the glade. Jim fastened the flaps on
the outside and went back to the camp-fire, where Talpers was storming
up and down like a madman. Helen, seated on McFann's blanket roll, heard
their voices rising and falling, the half-breed apparently defending
himself and Talpers growing louder and more accusative. Finally, when
the trader's rage seemed to have spent itself somewhat, the tent flaps
were opened and Jim McFann thrust some food into Helen's hands. She ate
the bacon and biscuits, as the long ride had made her hungry. Then
Talpers roughly ordered her out of the tent. He and the half-breed had
been busy packing and saddling. They added the tent and its contents to
their packs. Telling Helen to mount the white horse once more, Talpers
took the lead, and, with the silent and sullen half-breed bringing up
the rear, the party started off along a trail much rougher than the one
that had been followed by McFann and the girl in the morning.

CHAPTER XI

It was fortunate that Helen had accustomed herself to long