"M'seur--" From deep in the forest came again the baying of the Mackenzie hound.
This time it was much nearer, and for a moment Howland's eyes left the Frenchman's terrified face as he turned his head to listen.
"They are coming!" exclaimed Croisset.

"M'seur, I swear to--" Again Howland's pistol covered his heart.
"Then it is even more necessary that I kill you," he said with frightful calmness.

"I warned you that I would kill you if you led me into a trap, Croisset.

The dogs are bushed.

There is no way out of this but to fight--if there are people coming down the trail.