man who was supposedly in possession of the papers, when it was found that they had involuntarily changed hands."
This view struck Trafford and he gave it some little thought, while the other waited as if for his final judgment.
"As long as we're here, we may as well have a look at your man," said Trafford.
The next day found them guests of the drive at the camp above the first rapids of Dead River, where use was being had of the last of the spring flow to get the tail of the winter's cut into the main channel. Already the advance guard of the summer army was making its appearance, adventurous souls who love to see the year at its birth, and the presence of strangers excited no especial comment. They made it so apparent that they sought an invitation for the night that it became unavoidable, and so with the falling of dusk and the leap of the great flames of the camp fire among the trees, they came on to the time for the experiment agreed upon.
Trafford had watched Pierre Duchesney at his work, a great, strong-limbed giant whose blow, in-
