she could still smile at him.

"Martin, do not look so, or I shall hate myself for having brought all
this on you."

"That's silly," he said gruffly.

She did not misunderstand the gruffness. "Do not torment yourself so.
It's a horrible situation, unspeakably horrible. But it's none of our
making. We can face it. I can, if I am sure you will always--be my
friend--even though we are parted."

He raised his head. After all she was the comforter. "You make me
ashamed," he said. "Of course we can face it!"

"Perhaps I can help you. I must try to remember now. We must work at it
like a problem that does not concern us especially."

"Have you the diary?" he asked suddenly. "That's essential now."

"Did I have it?"

"In the side pocket of your coat."

"It's not there now. It's not among my things. I haven't seen it
since--I came to myself."

He concealed his disappointment. "Oh, well, if it was left in the shack
it will be safe there. I'm sure no Indian would go within fifty miles of
the spot now."

"Have you any idea who the dead man could have been?"

"Not the slightest. It's a black mystery."

CHAPTER XII

IMBRIE

Stonor went ashore at Ahcunazie's village, searched every tepee, and
questioned the inhabitants down to the very children. The result was
nil. The Indians one and all denied that Imbrie had come back up the
river. Stonor was convinced that they were lying. He said nothing of
what had happened down at the falls, though the young Kakisa, Ahteeah,
displayed no little curiosity on his own account.

They went on, making the best time they could against the current. Clare
wielded a third paddle now. The river was no less beautiful; the brown
flood moved with the same grace between the dark pines; but they had
changed. They scarcely noticed it. When they talked it was to discuss
the problem that faced them in businesslike voices. Like the Kakisas
they searched the shores now, but they were looking for two-legged game.
What other Indians they met on the river likewise denied having seen
Imbrie.

Stonor had in mind the fact that the devoted Kakisas could hide Imbrie
in any one of a thousand places along the shores. It was impossible for
him to make a thorough search single-handed, nor did he feel justified
in remaining on the river with Clare. His plan was to return to Fort
Enterprise as quickly as possible, making the best search he could by
the way, and, after obtaining assistance, to retu