e shouted, straightening himself suddenly up. "Maybe
he's frozen. Come and let's carry him back to the house."

CHAPTER XXIV

THE PRODIGAL SON

Captain Josh and the doctor were enjoying the tea which Mrs. Britt had
ready for them, when the scouts arrived bringing the man they had found
in the snow. He was a heavy load, and the boys were almost exhausted
by the time they reached the house. In a few brief words Rod explained
how they had discovered him, and then the doctor at once examined the
unfortunate man. Soon all was in a bustle about the place, and not
until the unconscious man was attended to and in bed, did the boys
leave to begin once more their battle against the storm.

The stranger was a man of about thirty years of age, heavily bearded.
His face had the appearance of one who had experienced much suffering,
and his staring eyes were deep-sunken in their sockets. Mrs. Britt had
given him only a brief glance, but that was sufficient to remind her of
one who was constantly in her mind. When the captain and the doctor
were again back in the kitchen discussing the stranger, she stole to
his side, and looked intently upon his face. She held the light close,
and as she did so she trembled so violently that she almost let the
lamp fall from her hand. Recovering herself, she went immediately to
her husband's side and touched his shoulder.

"It's Jimmy!" she cried, clasping her hands before her. "It's our own
boy!"

With a startled exclamation, the captain sprang to his feet, and looked
questioningly at his wife.

"Jimmy, did you say? In there?"

"Yes, I am sure of it. Come, see for yourself," and Mrs. Britt led her
half-dazed husband into the little bed-room.

The doctor remained behind in the kitchen. His thoughts, however, were
not upon his pipe, which was sending wreaths of blue smoke into the
air. He was thinking of far deeper things. His brief career as a
medical man had already brought him into close touch with many strange
circumstances. He liked to ponder them over very carefully. But this
was altogether different, and as he sat there, he endeavoured to
imagine the life of the son who had gone from home years before, and
had returned in such a sad condition.

He was aroused by the captain's hand laid heavily upon his shoulder.

"It's him, doc! My God, it's Jimmy!" It was all the old man could
say. He shook like a leaf, and sitting suddenly down upon a
splint-bottom chair