With his share of the furs captured by the end of the trapping season,
Indian Jake discharged his old debt with the Company. This was not
sufficient, however, to re-establish confidence in him. There was a
lurking suspicion among them, fostered by Uncle Ben Rudder of Tuggle
Bight, the wiseacre and oracle of the Bay, that Indian Jake's payment
of the debt was not prompted by honesty but by some ulterior motive.

Indian Jake emptied his plate. He refilled it with the last of the
stew and again emptied it, in the interim swallowing several cups of
hot tea.

"Good stew," he remarked in appreciation and praise when his meal was
finished. "When were you gettin' back?"

"I reached The Jug day before yesterday," said Doctor Joe.

"Huh!" Indian Jake grunted approval, as he puffed industriously at his
pipe. "Where you goin' now? To see Lem Horn?"

"No," Doctor Joe answered, "we're going to Fort Pelican to get some
things I brought in on the mail boat."

"I been goose huntin'," Indian Jake explained. "Not much goose yet.
Too early. Got four. Goin' to The Jug now to give Thomas a hand. Want
to start for Seal Lake soon. Don't want to be late."

"Pop's thinkin' to start in a fortnight," said David.

"Good!" acknowledged Indian Jake. "Maybe we start sooner. Start when
we're ready. I want to go quick. Have plenty time get there before