mouth, his usual precursor of speech. But Galen Albret abruptly
interposed, speaking directly, with authority, as was his habit.

"Hold on," said he, "I want no doubt. If you accept this, you must not
fail. Either you must come back with that Indian, or you need not come
back at all. I won't accept any excuses for failure. I won't accept any
failure. It does not matter if it takes ten years. _I want that man_."

Abruptly he fell silent. After a moment MacDonald resumed his speech.

"Think well. Let me know in the morning."

Bolton again passed his hand gropingly before his mouth.

"No need to wait for me," said he; "I'll do it."

Dick Herron suddenly laughed aloud, startling to flight the gravities of
the moment.

"If Sam here's got her figured out, I've no need to worry," he asserted.
"I'm with you."

"Very well," agreed MacDonald. "Remember, this must be kept quiet. Come
to me for what you need."

"I will say good-by to you now," said Galen Albret. "I do not wish to be
seen talking to you to-morrow."

The woodsmen stepped forward, and solemnly shook Galen Albret's hand. He
did not arise to greet these men he was sending out into the Silent