When the bullet was extracted Doctor Joe examined it critically,
washed it and placed it carefully in his pocket. It proved to be a
thirty-eight calibre, black powder rifle bullet. Doctor Joe had no
doubt of that. He had made a study of firearms and had the eye of an
expert.

"It's half-past two, boys. A westerly breeze is springing up, and I
think you'd better go on to Fort Pelican," Doctor Joe suggested. "I'll
give you a note to the factor instructing him to deliver all the
things to you. You'll be able to make a good run before camping time.
Stop in here on your way back."

The boys made ready and said good-bye, spread the sails, and were soon
running before a good breeze. Doctor Joe watched them disappear round
the island, and returning to Lem's bedside asked:

"Lem, do you know what kind of a rifle Indian Jake carried?"

"I'm not knowin' rightly," said Lem. "'Twere either a forty-four or a
thirty-eight. 'Twere he did the shootin'. Nobody else has been comin'
about here the whole summer. I'm not doubtin' he's got my silver fox,
and I'm goin' to get un back _whatever_. He'd never stop at shootin'
to rob, but he'll have to be quicker'n I be at shootin', to keep the
fur!"

"When are you expecting Mrs. Horn and the boys back?" asked Doctor
Joe.

"This evenin' or to-morrow whatever," said Lem. "They've been away
these five days gettin' the winter outfit at Fort Pelican."