ing just out of
range, compromised matters by devouring each other's burdens; after
which the attempt was given over and they were called in.

During the afternoon the noise increased in frequency, and by nightfall
was continuous, but by morning it had ceased utterly. The river had
risen eight feet, and in many places was running over its crust. Much
crackling and splitting were going on, and fissures leaping into life
and multiplying in all directions.

"The under-tow ice has jammed below among the islands," Jacob Welse
explained. "That's what caused the rise. Then, again, it has jammed
at the mouth of the Stewart and is backing up. When that breaks
through, it will go down underneath and stick on the lower jam."

"And then? and then?" The baron exulted.

"La Bijou will swim again."

As the light grew stronger, they searched for the man across the river.
He had not moved, but in response to their rifle-shots waved feebly.

"Nothing for it till the river breaks, baron, and then a dash with La
Bijou. St. Vincent, you had better bring your blankets up and sleep
here to-night. We'll need three paddles, and I think we can get
McPherson."

"No need," the correspondent hastened to reply. "The back-channel is
like adamant, and I'll be up by daybreak."

"But I? Why not?" Baron Courbertin demanded. Frona laughed.
"Remember, we haven't given you your first lessons yet."

"And there'll hardly be time to-morrow," Jacob Welse added. "When she
goes, she goes with a rush. St. Vincent, McPherson, and I will have to
make the crew, I'm afraid. Sorry, baron. Stay with us another year
and you'll be fit."

But Baron Courbertin was inconsolable, and sulked for a full half-hour.

CHAPTER XXIV

"Awake! You dreamers, wake!"

Frona was out of her sleeping-furs at Del Bishop's first call; but ere
she had slipped a skirt on and bare feet into moccasins, her father,
beyond the blanket-curtain, had thrown back the flaps of the tent and
stumbled out.

The river was up. In the chill gray light she could see the ice
rubbing softly against the very crest of the bank; it even topped it in
places, and the huge cakes worked inshore many feet. A hundred yards
out the white field merged into the dim dawn and the gray sky. Subdued
splits and splutters whispered from out the obscureness, and a gentle
grinding could be heard.

"When will it go?" she asked of Del.

"Not a bit too lively for us. See there!" He poin