s closer in and
feed them. Then I'll lay out some more ammunition. If it comes to a
fight we'll have our hands full."

"Do you think they'll go away?" asked Fred.

"No; to be frank, I don't think they will. Callack is too greedy after
the gold. He knows we have it."

"Then what are we going to do? We can't fight such a big crowd."

"I don't know. Perhaps I can think up some plan. But now get busy with
the breakfast."

The meal was soon ready and eaten, Fred taking the place of the colored
man on the ice hill while Johnson ate. Mr. Baxter had brought the sleds
closer to the big hummock, had fastened the dogs more securely, and had
opened several packages of cartridges.

"Why can't we build some sort of a fort?" suggested Fred.

"A fort?" inquired Mr. Baxter.

"Yes; to protect ourselves."

"What could we make it of?"

"Blocks of ice."

"So we could. I wonder I didn't think of that. It's a good idea, Fred.
We'll do it. Get the picks and shovels. We can soon throw up a
breastwork that will be proof against their bullets, and, as we occupy
the highest ground, they can't fire down on us."

There was plenty of material for the fort, and before night there was a
good rampart of ice, built in a semicircle out from the big rock, and
taking in the tent and sleds, to which the dogs were kept fastened. They
were quiet now, Mr. Baxter having given them a good feeding of seal
blubber.

"What are your plans?" asked Fred after an early supper. "Do you think
they will attack us to-night?"

"I hope not, for I want to put into execution a scheme I have thought
of."

"What is it, dad?" asked Jerry.

"I think we will bury the treasure and make a dash to escape."

"Bury the treasure? Where?"

"Right here. We can cut a deep hole down under the ice and snow, put the
bags of gold in, cover them up, and then be in readiness to make a dash
through their lines."

"Suppose they pursue us?"

"That is probably what they will do. But I think we can escape, as our
dogs are much swifter than are theirs. Then we will proceed toward the
river, get help, and return for the gold. Or, better than that, Holfax
and his friends may come to our relief. They ought to be here soon."

"If he doesn't fail us," suggested Fred.

"I do not believe he will. Holfax is faithful."

Mr. Baxter's plan was soon put into operation. A great hole was dug in
the ice, the enemy being unable to observe the operation because of the
rampart. Then the go