His huge shoulders were bent, his eyes wild and haggard.

The smile that came to his lips as he held out a hand to Howland gave to his death-white face an appearance even more ghastly.
"Hello, Jack!" he greeted.

"What's the matter, man?
Do I look like a ghost ?" "What is the matter, Thorne?
I found Gregson half dying at Le Pas, and now you--" "It's a wonder you're not reading my name on a little board slab instead of seeing yours truly in flesh and blood, Jack," laughed Thorne nervously.

"A ton of rock, man--a ton of rock, and I was under it!" Over Thorne's shoulder the young engineer caught a glimpse of the Cree's face.

A dark flash had shot into his eyes.