mind this, my sons: we're going because it's
our dooty."

"Of course."

"Not because I want a pipe."

"No; you have already proved that you do not wish to be selfish," said
Dallas, "so come on."

"Nay, I'll lead, my sons," cried the big fellow. "It's my shanty, and I
know every step of the way. You'd go right up to the door, and he'd
have first chance of a shot. That won't do for me. We must get first
chance, and make him shoot at random, which means at nothing at all.
Now then, follow me. Don't fire unless you get a good chance."

"But what is your plan, Bob?" said Dallas eagerly.

"Get him to fire, my son, and then go at him before he has time to load
again."

The lantern was left with the sledge, and with every nerve now upon the
strain the two young men followed their sturdy companion, who gave them
but few words as to their proceedings.

"Don't be in a hurry to fire," he said, "but when you get your chance,
let him have it. Now, tread softly, and come on."

The distance was comparatively short, and Abel's heart beat fast and
loud, as, upon passing through a thick clump of pines, there in front of
them shone the light of a wood fire through the open door of Tregelly's
hut.

The owner stopped short and whispered.

"He's there," he said; "the fire has been made up."

"But he must have been and gone," said Dallas. "The door is wide open."

"His artfulness," said the Cornishman. "It's so as he can hear our
coming, and to throw dust in our eyes. He's there, or else outside
waiting for us, so look out."

They crept cautiously on, abreast now and hand on trigger, ready to fire
at a moment's notice, front, right, or left, from wherever the danger
appeared; but the icy snow crackled beneath their heavy boots, in spite
of every care, and when they were about thirty yards from the open door
they stopped short, feeling that the better way would be to step boldly
forward, for their approach must have been heard.

But still Tregelly hesitated, feeling, as he did, that the peril was
very great for them to advance into the light thrown from the open door,
when the result would probably be a repetition of his own shot a few
hours before.

"Open out," he whispered suddenly, "and keep away from the light. I'll
take the right side; you two take the left, and when I whistle we'll all
rush in together."

It was no time for disputation. Tregelly was leader, and Dallas and
Abel felt it to be their duty to