all. Not a track was left in the snow. The warm sun had obliterated
every sign of their presence of a short time before!

If their own trail was gone what could he hope to find of Minnetaki's
dainty foot-prints?

Deep down in his heart Rod prayed for guidance in this moment of
terrible doubt.




CHAPTER IV


ROD FOLLOWS THE MAN-FOOTED BEAR

"I must wait until it is lighter," he said. He tried to control
himself, to fortify himself with the assurance which he no longer
felt.

"We will have breakfast," suggested Wabi. "We have cold meat and there
will be no need of a fire."

Finishing before the others, Rod grasped his rifle and walked out from
among the trees. Wabi made a movement as if to follow, but Mukoki held
him back. There was a shrewd light in his eyes.

"He do better--alone," he warned.