She was seated in her igloo sewing a garment of eider duck skins, when
three rough-looking Chukches entered and, without ceremony, told her by
signs that she must accompany them.

She was conducted to the largest igloo in the village. This she found
crowded with natives, mostly men. She was led to the center of the
floor, which was vacant, the natives being ranged round the sides of the
place.

Instantly her eyes searched the frowning faces about her for a clue to
this move. She soon found it. In the throng, she recognized five of the
reindeer Chukches, members of that band which had attempted to murder
Johnny Thompson and herself.

Their presence startled her. That they would make their way this far
north, when their reindeer had been sent back by paid messengers some
days before, had certainly seemed very improbable both to Johnny and to
the girl.

Evidently the Chukches were very revengeful in spirit or very faithful
in the performance of murders they had covenanted to commit. At any
rate, here they were. And the girl did not deceive herself, this was a
council chamber. She did not doubt for a moment that her sentence would
be death. Her only question was, could there be a way of escape? The
wall was lined with dusky forms this time. The entrance was closely
guarded. Only one possibility offered; above her head, some five feet, a
strong rawhide rope crossed from pole to pole of the igloo. Directly
above this was the smoke hole. She had once entered one of these when an
igloo was drifted over with snow.