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458 for a while," he said. "For we are going round past Macpherson again, and on to the winter trail to Dawson, Andree."

"Why?" she asked, half-startled.

"Because I can't take you to Fort Saskatchewan," he said, in sudden passion. "I can't do it. I cannot 'make it so.' No man could with your face near him. I will get you through the Yukon somehow, and bury myself at the same time."

"But one cannot be bury while one is live."

"Oh, yes, one can. Plenty of men are buried while they are alive. What are you looking like that for?"

"I do not like you with that talk in your voice," she said.

He drew her to him and kissed her.

"Is that better? Now—mush, Andree. Quick. I must get out of sight of Macpherson as soon as possible."

He winced as he said the words. They drove his position home to him so sharply. For the rest of his life now he would have to get out of sight of all things which represented law and order as soon as possible.

Keeping in the shelter of the little rough snow-hummocks and the sparse vegetation they crossed the Peel; passed the barracks again, and struck on to the Peel Portage which led by wild and rugged mountain ways into the Yukon. Dick knew the entrance of the Portage only, and the later trail not at all. But he had a good map and a compass, and it was almost certain that he could pick up an Indian as guide later on, even if he should lose the trail, which was not likely. He had a genius for finding his way, and there were reasons now why he should not make any mistakes. He had plenty of provisions, and he and Andree were in perfect health. Therefore, there was no danger to be feared except from the barracks. He smiled grimly as he swung along, breaking trail with a heavy lurching step. Hensham might talk windily enough; but he was not the man to fling away reputation and position to do this thing which Dick was now doing. But there was no pride in Dick that he was doing it. He went on with face set and strong, lunging steps, making his stops short and infrequent. He knew that he dared not stop. He dared