If they who had flung him into the dungeon believed this, then he was safe for several hours.

No one would come for his body until broad day, and possibly not until the following night, when a grave could be dug and he could be carried out with some secrecy.

In that time, if he could escape from his prison, he would be well on his way to the Wekusko.

He had no doubt that Jean was still a prisoner on the mountain top.

The dogs and sledge were there and both rifles were where he had concealed them.