The uproar was sinking fast and in a lull he heard footsteps outside.

Then the door was pushed open and a man staggered in.

His fur-coat was torn and muddy, his feet came through his pulp moccasins, and the water that drained from him made a pool on the floor.

Three others followed and stood, dripping, in the light, while Scott and Thirlwell gazed at them.

Then the first dropped into a chair and leaned his arms on the table as if overcome by fatigue.