passed him on from post to post as they had driven others whose
records were known; but he had lost himself in the confusion at
Dawson for a few weeks, until the scarlet-coated riders searched him
out, disarmed him, and forced him sullenly aboard this steamer. The
offscourings of the Canadian frontier were drifting back into their
native country to settle.

Old Man Gale cared little for this, for he had spent his life among
such men, but as he watched the fellow a scheme outlined itself in
his head. Evidently the man dared not go farther down the river, for
there was nothing save Indian camps and a Mission or two this side
of St. Michael's, and at that point there was a court and many
soldiers, where one was liable to meet the penalty of past misdeeds,
hence he was probably resolved to stop here, and, judging by his
record, he was a man of settled convictions. Continued persecution
is wont to stir certain natures to such reckless desperation that
interference is dangerous, and Gale, recalling his sullen look and
ill-concealed contempt for the soldiers, put the stranger down as a
man of this type. Furthermore, he had been impressed by the fellow's
remarkable dexterity of wrist.

The trader stepped to the door, and, seeing Burrell on the deck of
the steamer, went down towards him. It was a long chance, but the
stakes were big and worth the risk. He had thought much during the
night previous--in fact, for many hours--and the morning had found
him still undecided, wherefore he took this course.

"Necia tells me that you aim to keep law and order here," he began,
abruptly, having drawn the young man aside.