conclusions.

Sam, watchful but also silent, could almost follow his mental processes.
The canoe meant travel, the meagreness of the outfits either rapid or
short travel, the two steel traps travel beyond the sources of supply.
Then inspection passed lightly over the girl and from her to the younger
man. With a flash of illumination Sam Bolton saw how valuable in
allaying suspicion this evidence of a peaceful errand might prove to be.
Men did not bring their women on important missions involving speed and
danger.

Abruptly the Indian spoke, going directly to the heart of the matter,
after the Indian fashion.

"Where you from?"

"Winnipeg," replied Sam, naming the headquarters of the Company.

The direction of travel was toward Winnipeg. Sam was perfectly aware of
the discrepancy, but he knew better than to offer gratuitous
explanation. The Indian smoked.

"Where you come from now?" he inquired, finally.

"Tschi-gammi[5]."

[Footnote 5: Lake Superior.]

This was understandable. Remained only the object of an expedition of
this peculiar character. Sam Bolton knew that the Indian would satisfy