ny other of the forts,
so far as is known, nor has any word been received from him. His wife,
backed by the H.B.C., urges that a relief party be sent to look for him.
They and she forget that this is the arctic region, and that the task is
a well-nigh hopeless one. He ought to have been here six months ago. Now
how can we do anything? Our fort is small, and there is always danger of
trouble with the Indians. We can't force men to join a relief party like
this, and who will volunteer? Who would lead such a party and who will
make up the party to be led?"

The brown face of Jaspar Hume was not mobile. It changed in expression
but seldom; it preserved a steady and satisfying character of
intelligence and force. The eyes, however, were of an inquiring,
debating kind, that moved from one thing to another as if to get a
sense of balance before opinion or judgment was expressed. The face
had remained impassive, but the eyes had kindled a little as the factor
talked. To the factor's despairing question there was not an immediate
reply. The eyes were debating. But they suddenly steadied and Jaspar
Hume said sententiously: "A relief party should go."

"Yes, yes, but who is to lead them?"

Again the eyes debated.

"Read her letter," said the factor, handing it over. Jaspar Hume took it
and mechanically scanned it. The factor had moved towards the table
for his pipe or he would have seen the other start, and his nostrils
slightly quiver, as his eyes grew conscious of what they were seeing.
Turning quickly, Hume walked towards the window as though for more
light, and with his back to the factor he read the letter. Then he
turned and said: "I think this thing should be done."

The factor shrugged his shoulders slightly. "Well, as to that, I think
so too, but thinking and doing are two different things, Hume."

"Will you leave the matter in my hands until the morning?"

"Yes, of course, and glad to do so. You are the only man who can arrange
the affair, if it is to be done at all. But I tell you, as you know,
that everything will depend upon a leader, even if you secure the
men.... So you had better keep the letter for to-night. It may help you
to get the men together. A woman's handwriting will do more than a man's
word any time."

Jaspar Hume's eyes had been looking at the factor, but they were
studying something else. His face seemed not quite so fresh as it was a
few minutes before.

"I will see you at ten o'clock to-mo