fell into a drunken sleep. Stormont got up and leaned against the table.
He had borne some strain in the last few minutes, because it had been
obvious that Drummond was overcome by liquor and would soon be unable to
talk, while when he woke up sober he might repent his rashness. Now
Stormont imagined he had told him all he knew, and it ought to be worth
fifty dollars. Lighting a cigar, he waited until his clerk came back,
when he indicated Drummond, who lay, snoring heavily, with his dirty
boots on Stormont's bed.

"Wake the drunken fool and see him home."

Watson had some trouble to get Drummond on his feet and after Stormont
shut the door there was a heavy thud. It looked as if Drummond had
fallen down the stairs, but Stormont smiled. He had done with the
fellow, and if Watson could get him out of the hotel, it did not matter
if he reached home or not. Ringing for the bell-boy, he gave orders
about being called in the morning, as he meant to leave by an early
west-bound train.




CHAPTER XII

ON THE TRAIL


Thirlwell had been to the railroad settlement, and returning with Father
Lucien, camped on the trail not far from the mine. The day had been
unusually warm and at noon the pines dripped in the sun and the snow got