"South?" exclaimed Stormont, who knew that the natural drainage of the
region is north-east to James Bay.

"Sure," said Drummond, with a sullen look. "Strange told the old man,
and the old man told me."

Stormont pondered. If the creek flowed south, it drained a subsidiary
basin and probably filled a lake from which a river ran north or east.
The clue was worth fifty dollars because it would simplify the search
for the lode.

"How does the creek lie from the factory?"

"'Bout south-west," said Drummond in a thick, drowsy voice. "There isn't
a factory at Longue Sault now. Company moved the post after the old man
left."

"How far is the creek from where the post was?"

"Lemme think," Drummond muttered, and his eyes half closed. "Old man
reckoned Strange made it in a fortnight's march."

"From the creek, or from the place where he was sent? Or do you mean the
double journey?"

"Don't know," Drummond answered dully. "Old man said fortnight. Told you
all I remember."

Then he slipped down in the big chair, his head drooped forward, and he