Page:A Wild-Goose Chase - Balmer - 1915.djvu/247

Rh simply that he had reached that spot safely and was traveling on south well supplied.

There was no longer doubt in Geoff's mind, after he learned this, that Latham had found both cairns and destroyed them. But Koehler was watching Geoff as he questioned Eric; and the doctor checked the boy as he saw Geoff's hot impulse to turn upon Latham with his charge. Koehler drew him away from the others gathered in the little shelter.

"He knew Eric had crossed the sea from Mason Land safely when he tried to make us all go home!" Geoff cried.

"We don't know that. We can't prove it," Koehler cautioned.

"Who but he could have knocked down the cairns before that stone house?"

"Animals—bears sometimes destroy cairns."

"You know they didn't destroy those!"

Koehler made no direct denial. The men of the party, except Latham, were coming out of the shelter, where they all had gathered to hear Hedon's story, and entering the second hut. Latham and Margaret were left with Eric Hedon, and after a few moments Latham also