JOHN BALL'S STORY That same morning two big canoes set out across Lake Nipigon for Wabigoon and John Ball.

Mukoki returned with the canoes, but Rod remained at the Post, and not a moment's rest did he have during the whole of that day from the eager questions of those whom he had so completely surprised by his unexpected return.

Few stories could have been more thrilling than his, though he told it in the simplest manner possible.

Rod's appearance more than his words was evidence of the trials he and his companions had passed through.

His face was emaciated to startling thinness by desperate exertion and lack of sleep, and both his face and his hands were covered with scratches and bruises.