was always
the icy water that the pump could not keep under and the frost could not
stop.

Yet there was something that thrilled one in the stubborn fight, and a
strange ascetic satisfaction in proving how much flesh and blood could
stand. One felt stronger for bracing one's tired body against fresh
fatigue, and watchfulness in the face of constant danger toned up the
brain. Then, after all, the vast, silent wilderness had a seductive
charm.

"This country draws, and holds what it gets," he said. "I'm satisfied to
stop here, as long as I'm young."

For a time they smoked in silence, and presently went to bed, tired with
exhausting labor and glad to rest in dreamless sleep until they began
again in the bitter dawn.

CHAPTER XI

STORMONT FINDS A CLUE

The Dufferin House was the best hotel in the small Ontario town, and
about ten o'clock one evening Stormont read a newspaper in his
comfortable room. His clerk had been some days in the town, looking into
a proposed transaction in real estate, and Stormont left Winnipeg when a
letter from him arrived. This was not because the business required his
supervision, but because Watson, the clerk, had found out something that
might prove to be important, although it might lead to his employer's
wasting his time. Stormont seldom let what he called a fighting change
go by.

He had eaten a good supper at about six o'clock, and after a talk with
Watson and a young man whose acquaintance the clerk had made, had sent
them off to see the town at his expense. This was not rash, because
Stormont could trust his clerk. Now he waited their return, but it was
not for Watson's benefit he had put a cigar-box and a bottle of strong
liquor on the table. Much depended on Watson's tact and judgment, and
Stormont felt relieved when he came in.

"I've got Drummond downstairs," the clerk said.

"Very good," said Stormont. "Had you much trouble?"

"I certainly had some. He wanted me to hire a sleigh and take a girl at
a sweet-stuff store for a joy-ride. Suggested it when she was there, and
I think she meant to go. Then he broke a lamp in the pool-room that cost
us two dollars."

"Well, I hope you haven't overdone the thing."

"On the whole, I guess not," Watson replied. "It's hard to hit the
proper mark, but I reckon he's just drunk enough."

"Then bring him up," said Stormont, and in a few minutes Watson came
back with a young man.

The latter's skin was somewhat dark, and h