e snow had drifted deep in
that spot. Before they came to the bottom the snow was heaped so high
that the pit was shoulder-deep. It was all the better for shelter, and
they cut cedar poles and roofed one side of it, producing a most cozy
and sheltered nook.

Fred continued to pull cedar twigs for bedding, while Peter and Maurice
unpacked the toboggan and lighted the fire against the big log. Now
that it was laid bare this log proved to be indeed a monster. It must
have been nearly three feet in diameter, and was probably hollow, but
would keep the fire smouldering indefinitely. Fred plucked the frozen
grouse with some difficulty, cut them up and put them into the kettle
to thaw out and stew.

This consumed some time, and it was rather late when supper was ready.
A bitterly cold night was setting in. The icy breeze whined through
the trees, but the sheltered pit of the camp was a warm and cozy place,
casting its firelight high into the branches overhead.

Snowshoe cramp had attacked none of the boys, but the unaccustomed
muscles were growing stiff and sore. By Macgregor's advice they all
took off moccasins and stockings and massaged their calves and ankles
thoroughly, afterwards roasting them well before the fire. One side of
the big log was a glowing red ember now, and they piled fresh wood
beside it, laid the rifles ready, and crept into their sleeping-bags
under the shelter.

Fred did not know how long he had slept when he was awakened by a sort
of nervous shock. He raised his head and glanced about. All was still
in the camp. His companions lay motionless in their bags. The fire
had burned low, and the air of the zero night cut his face like a
knife. He could not imagine what had awakened him, but he felt that he
ought to get up and replenish the fire and he was trying to make up his
mind to crawl out of his warm nest when he was startled by a sort of
dull, jarring rumble.

It seemed to come from the fire itself. Fred uttered a scared cry that
woke both the other boys instantly.

"What's the matter? What is it?" they both exclaimed.

Before Fred could answer, there was a sort of upheaval. The fire was
dashed aside. Smoke and ashes flew in every direction, and they had a
cloudy glimpse of something charging out through the smoke--something
huge and black and lightning quick.

"Jump! Run!" yelled Peter, scrambling to get out of his sleeping-bag.

At the shout and scramble the animal wheeled