a loud thumping at the
door. His hand went behind to his revolver, which he held ready, fully
expecting from his cousin's manner that the marauder who had attacked
him had returned; but to the delight of both, after a second blow on the
door, the familiar voice of Tregelly was heard in a cheery hail.

"Hullo, there!" he cried. "Any one at home?"

Dallas darted to the door, threw it open, and there in the gloomy light
of mid-day stood their friend with a load over his shoulder.

"Back again, then? I was coming to see. But I say, what's the meaning
of this--is it a trap?"

"Is what a trap?" said Dallas.

"Putting this bag out yonder with the dog to watch it and snap at any
one who touches it. Is the bag yours?"

"Yes, of course," exclaimed Dallas excitedly; "but where was it?"

"Outside, I tell you; but it's a failure if it's a trap, for the dog's
dead."

Dallas rushed out, followed by his visitor, and there in the dim light
lay the dog, stretched out upon the snow, perfectly stiff and
motionless.

"I see how it was now," cried Dallas excitedly; and as their neighbour
helped him carry the dog in, he told him in a few words of how he had
found matters on his return.

"Poor brute! Was he in the place, then?"

"I suppose so, and he must have attacked the scoundrel, and made him
drop the bag."

"And then lay down to watch it, dying at his post. If he had lived I'd
have given something for that dog."

"Indeed you would not," said Dallas warmly. "No gold would have bought
him."

The dog was laid down by the fire, but Tregelly shook his head.

"Might as well save his skin, youngsters; but you'll have to thaw him
first."

"Is he dead?" asked Abel feebly.

"No doubt about that," replied Tregelly. "It's a pity, too, for he was
a good dog. Those Eskimo, as a rule, are horrid brutes, eating up
everything, even to their harness; but this one was something. I'd come
up to bring Mr Wray here half one o' my hams, but you won't want it
now."

"No," said Dallas; "and I can send you back loaded, and be out of debt."

"Well, I can't say what I lent you won't be welcome. My word, though,
you brought a good load."

"Set to and play cook," said Dallas, "while I tidy up. I'm sure you
could eat some breakfast, and I'm starving."

"So am I," cried their visitor, laughing. "Beginning to feel better,
master?" he added, turning to Abel.

"Yes; only I'm so stiff, and my throat is so painful."

"Cheer up, m