At the point of a gun he could have forced Croisset to overtake the other sledge.

He could have surprised Jackpine, as they had surprised him on the trail.

And then?
He smiled, but there was no humor in the smile.

He at least would have held the whip-hand.

And what would Meleese have done?
He asked himself question after question, answering them quickly and decisively in the same breath.