Page:November Joe.pdf/53

 quiet, low-keyed voice, I stared at him in amazement.

"But how can you have found out all that?" I said at last. "If it's correct, it's wonderful!"

"I'll tell you, if you still want to hear, when I've got my man—if ever I do get him. One thing more is sure, he is a chap who knew Lyon well. The rest of the job lies in the settlement of St. Amiel, where Lyon lived."

We walked back to Big Tree Portage, and from there ran down in the canoe to St. Amiel, arriving the following evening. About half a mile short of the settlement, November landed and set up our camp. Afterwards we went on. I had never before visited the place, and I found it to be a little colony of scattered houses, straggling beside the river. It possessed two stores and one of the smallest churches I have ever seen.

"You can help me here if you will," said November as we paused before the larger of the stores.

"Of course I will. How?"

"By letting 'em think you've engaged me as