carried in a large armful of spruce boughs. These he spread carefully
over the bodies.

"It is more than your own gang would do," he mused. "You were
contemptible men, I know, but not as bad, perhaps, as those villains
who left you here. They must be checked and paid back in double coin
for all their devilish work, and I want to be on hand when payment is
being made."




CHAPTER XXIX

SHELTERING ARMS

Having closed the cabin door, Dane stepped into his snow-shoes, slung
his pack over his shoulders, and started forth after the slashers. He
carried his gun in his hand that he might be ready for any emergency.
It was not hard to follow the trail, and the travelling much easier
than when out upon the river. Although he moved rapidly forward, he
was keenly alert to every sight and sound. How far the rebels would go
without camping he had no idea. He knew that at times they travelled
all night and slept by day. If they intended to do so now it would be
necessary for him to exert every effort in order to overtake them. He
was well aware that as a rule they did not travel fast, being too
indolent and lazy, so in this lay his only hope of outstripping the
villains.

His course lay through the heart of a large forest, straight overland,