the burning hut and
stacks, and found that a bed of dry reeds was burning too. At this
point of their journey the cold black ice was lit up, and as they
advanced it seemed as if they were about to skim over red-hot glowing
steel.

"Now, then," cried Dick excitedly, "a rush--as fast as we can go!"

But they could get on at no greater speed, and rather slackened than
increased as they drew near to the fire; while a feeling of thankfulness
came over both as all at once they were aware of the fact that a tall
thin figure was standing apparently with its back to them staring at the
glowing fire, against which it stood out like a black silhouette.

"Dave, ho!" shouted Dick.

The figure turned slowly, and one hand was raised as if to shade the
eyes.

"Dave, ho!" shouted Tom.

"Ay, ay!" shouted back the man; and the next minute the boys glided up
to the firm earth and leaped ashore, as their old fishing and trapping
friend came slowly to meet them.

"How was it, Dave?" cried Dick.

"Was it an accident?" cried Tom.

"Accident! Just such an accident as folks hev as shoves a burning
candle in a corn stack. Just you two slither out yonder straight away,
and see if you can see anyone."

"But there can't be anyone," said Dick, looking in the direction
indicated.

"Ice wouldn't bear, and they couldn't come in a punt."

"Nay, they coom i' pattens," said Dave sharply. "I joost caught a blink
of 'em as they went off, and I let 'em hev the whole charge o' my goon."

"A bullet?" said Tom huskily.

"Nay, lad; swan-shot. I'd been out after the wild-geese at the end of
the bit o' reed-bed here, when I see a light wheer there couldn't be no
light, and I roon back and see what they'd done, and let fly at 'em."

"And hit them, Dave?" said Dick.

"Nay, lad, I can't say. I fired and I heered a squeal. Ice wouldn't
bear for me to go and see."

"Come along, Tom," cried Dick; and they skated away once more, to curve
here and there in all directions, till a hail from the island took them
back.

"Can't you find 'em?"

"No."

"Then they must have got away; but they've took some swan-shot wi' 'em,
whoever they be."

"But, Dave, were there two?"

"Don't know, lad. I only see one, and fired sharp. Look ye here," he
continued, pointing to the glowing remains of his hut, "I nivver made no
dreerns. They might have left me alone. Now they'll come back some day
and pay me back for that shot. All comes o' your father m