ible to believe that his
nephew had been guilty of shameful cowardice; and now it looked as if
the disgrace might be brought still closer home. Bertram would
presently take his place and, retiring from active service, rule the
estate in accordance with Challoner traditions and perhaps exert some
influence in politics. Clarke had, however, shown him that Bertram,
from whom so much was expected, had proved himself a poltroon and, what
was even worse, had allowed an innocent man to suffer for his baseness.

Challoner remembered that Bertram had shown timidity in his younger
days--they had had some trouble in teaching him to ride--and there was
no doubt that his was a highly strung and nervous temperament. He had
not the calm which marked the Challoners in time of strain. On the
other hand, Dick Blake was recklessly generous, and loved his cousin;
it would be consistent with his character if he were willing to suffer
in Bertram's stead. Moreover, there were reasons which might have had
some effect in inducing Bertram to consent, because Challoner knew the
affection his son bore him and that he would shrink from involving him
in his disgrace. What Bertram would certainly not have done to secure
his own escape he might have done for the sake of his father and the
girl he was to marry.

Admitting all this, Challoner could not take his son's guilt for
granted. There was room for doubt. Blake must be summoned home and
forced to declare the truth.

Then Challoner's thoughts went back to the man whose tale had so
disturbed him. There had been nothing forcible or obviously
threatening in Clarke's last few remarks, but their effect was somehow
sinister. Challoner wondered whether he had done well in suggesting
that Blake's denial would prove the man's greatest difficulty. After
all, he had a strong affection for his nephew, and he knew that the
wilds of northern Canada might prove deadly to a weak party unprovided
with proper sleds and provisions. Clarke had hinted that Blake's party
was in danger. Surely, aid could reach them, even in that frozen land,
by a well-equipped expedition.

Realizing what delay might mean to his nephew, Challoner hastened
indoors and sent a cable-letter to a friend in Montreal, asking him to
spare no effort to follow Blake's trail into the northern wilds.

CHAPTER XV

THE FROZEN NORTH

A bitter wind swept the snowy prairie and the cold was arctic when
Clarke, shivering in his f