le of lumber from which they were
led to take what fuel they needed through the misrepresentation of the
three Indians who called upon them. The night was one of the coldest of
several weeks, and at their elbows, as may be said, was enough fuel to
make them comfortable for months.

The brothers looked longingly at the mass of lumber, but did not dare
touch it in the presence of their friend.

"I wonder if we can't persuade him to look the other way for a little
while," said Victor in a low tone to George.

"It wouldn't make any difference if he did--he would see us just the
same; the only thing to do is to appeal to his common sense."

"You try it; he won't pay any attention to me."

"See here," said the shivering lad; "it seems to me, Deerfoot, that
since we have already stolen some lumber from that pile, it can't be
any harm to steal a little more; you see, with your good sense, that it
will be only taking two bites from the same apple."

The Shawanoe looked gravely at his young friends, whom no one
understood better than he, and abruptly asked:

"How much do two and two make?"

"As near as I can figure out," interposed Victor, "the answer to that
problem is four."

"When we used the wood we thought we had the right to take it; we
should pay the owner if we could find him. If we use any of it now it
will be a sin, as sure as two and two make four, for we know it belongs
to another; it is better to freeze than to steal wood. Deerfoot does
not wish to hear his brothers say anything more."

"I suppose he is right," growled Victor, "but doesn't he draw it mighty
fine? We may as well prepare to spend one of the worst nights we have
had since leaving the Ohio."

The canoe was drawn up the bank and then turned over, so as to shield
the property beneath. Then the blankets were spread so that the four
lay near one another and thus secured mutual warmth. The region had
become familiar to our friends because of their former visit, and they
knew that all the natives were friendly. Deerfoot, therefore, said
there was no need of mounting guard. They had eaten enough dried salmon
to stay the pangs of hunger, though the boys would have relished
something warm and more palatable.

All slept soundly, and the night passed without the slightest
disturbance from prowling man or animal. Victor Shelton was the first
to awake. He was lying on his side with his back against that of his
brother, and his face so covered by his bl