ay as well chip a hundredweight of
ice off it. Wait while I get the pick from the side of the shaft, and
you may as well keep a sharp look-out with cocked pieces. They might
try to rush us."

Dallas and Abel took the hint, and did better; they sheltered themselves
behind the wood heap, ready for any attack that might come; while the
dog, now pacified, walked here and there, snuffing about as if scenting
danger.

Tregelly was back directly, and by dexterous usage of the pick-axe he
soon reduced the heavy block to a more portable size, after which it was
secured upon the sledge, and the return journey commenced.

A good look-out was kept, every man walking with his piece ready cocked,
for there were plenty of places to be passed where they might well
expect to meet with an ambush; but all went well, the ice-block forming
but a light load, as the snow was hard beneath their feet.

To make matters easier, Abel kept up well, declaring again and again
that he was not tired.

"Don't overdo it," Dallas said. "Even with you on the sledge it would
be a light load for us two to draw."

"You will not draw me, even if it would be," replied Abel. "I feel
stronger and brighter now than when I came out. It shows what a little
energy will do."

It was fairly light as they came within sight of the hut they had left
that morning, and a faint curl of smoke rising from the roof showed that
the fire was still alight; and all seemed to be perfectly right, till
they were close up, when Dallas caught sight of a piece of timber lying
across the front of the door, and began to run.

"Take care, my lad!" cried Tregelly; "There may be danger."

Abel followed, but the dog out-speeded the little party, and rushing to
the front, bounded in at the open door.

"Take care! take care!" cried Abel, as he saw that the door had been
forced in their absence.

But he was too late, for his cousin had rushed up, rifle in hand, and
sprung into the place.

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE.

SCRUFF GIVES WARNING.

Abel was still weak and wanting in spirit from his long illnesses, but
the courage displayed by his cousin roused him to action, and he
followed the others into the hut.

But it was to face no enemies, only to find Scruff sniffing about--
Tregelly stamping with rage.

"What is it?" cried Abel. "Somebody been in, of course."

"Been in and carried off all they could lay hands on."

"Took advantage of our absence, Bel, and loaded themselv