“Thanks,” said Barney, who already had his share of the prize in his purse.

“First I shall tell you the purpose of that wireless and why it is so important to locate it,” the Major went on.  “It is one of the links in a chain around the world—­a chain that threatens to bind civilization to a burning stake of sedition, anarchy and bloodshed.  The operator is an anarchist, or, at least, belongs to an allied organization, and these, one and all, have for their purpose the destruction of the present order of things.  Now, there is not one of us but believes that there are many evils possible—­yes, and put in operation under the present order, but we do not believe that matters are going to be bettered by a world-revolution.  We believe that in time justice will come very much nearer being done under the old system; therefore, we are fighting to maintain it.  That is why I volunteered to attempt to hunt out and if possible destroy this powerful wireless station, which is relaying revolutionary messages direct from Russia to all important points in North America.  My long experience in the North seemed to fit me for that task; and it is a task that I am determined to accomplish.

“It is my theory that this wireless is located on the shores of Great Bear Lake.  In fact, I believe it is run by an independent trader operating at the east end of that lake, on Conjurer’s Bay.  A year ago he brought in a small electric plant, to light his trading post, he said.  Now this plant is capable of producing an almost unlimited amount of electrical power, provided only time is given.  Batteries of great power might easily be produced on the spot.  Chemicals for producing acids are found in abundance; so also are copper and zinc for the plate.  All he would have to do then would be to make wooden boxes for the chemicals, erect his wires—­he could string them from spruce poles—­and the thing is done.  It was impossible to reach the station by water after I had guessed its location, and there was of course the possibility that I was wrong, that it was nearer civilization.  In that case I might be able to locate it, providing I made the trip by plane.”

“That explains why we circled three times during our first day’s flight?  You were looking—­”

“For the wireless tower,” smiled the Major.

“And now,” he went on, “I think we will just rest easy on our wings for a few weeks.  You will get the engines in shape; take a few trial flights, if you wish, but be careful to conserve gasoline.  We must have enough to carry us to Great Bear Lake.  There we will find a sufficient supply to carry us on any other journey we may decide on.  The trader uses gasoline to run his electric plant and will have a supply.  It will not be of very high test, but with two engines I think we will make it answer our purpose.  If we find that my theory regarding the location of the tower is not correct, we will buy a supply from him, and if it is correct—­” He did not finish, but smiled and poked the fire again.