And the Russian, why was he traveling so far north? What possible
interests could he have here? Was he, too, planning to cross the Strait
to America? Or was he in search of wealth hidden away in this frozen
land?

"The furs! I'll bet that's it!" Johnny slapped his knee. "This Russian
has come north to demand tribute for his government from the hunting
Chukches. They're rich in furs--mink, ermine, red, white, silver gray
and black fox. A man could carry a fortune in them on one sled. Yes,
sir! That's his business up here."

But then, the diamonds? Again Johnny seemed to have reached the end of a
blind alley in his thinking. Who could be so rash as to carry thousands
of dollars' worth of jewels on such a trip? And yet, he was not certain
the man had them now. He had seen them but once, and that in the
disguise shop.

Further thoughts were cut short by a head thrust in at the flap of the
igloo. It was Iyok-ok.

"Go soon," he smiled. "Mebby two hours."

"North?"

"Eh-eh" (yes), he answered, lapsing into Eskimo.

"All right."

The head disappeared.