bark shanty in a wind-sheltered nook of the
forest.

Mowry was one of nature's own physicians, and knew just what to do.
After satisfying himself that no bones were broken, he rubbed Jerry
vigorously from head to foot, and dressed his bruises and scratches.
Then he rolled him in blankets and dosed him with hot drinks.

This wise treatment undoubtedly saved the lad's life, but it did not
entirely counteract the effects of his fall and exposure to the bitter
cold. He struggled out of his stupor to a sort of semi-consciousness. He
talked in a rambling and incoherent manner, and tossed restlessly in a
fever.

For two days he remained in this condition. Mowry tended him faithfully
and constantly, never leaving his side for a moment.

On the third morning Jerry opened his eyes with a clear mind. He was
puzzled to find himself in such surroundings. He remembered all that had
happened up to the time of his fall. He listened with wonder to Mowry's
explanation. He was startled to find out how much time had elapsed.
Then, in an eager voice, he told the whole story from beginning to end.

The trapper was vastly indignant to learn of the rascality of his old
associates.

"Of course I'll help you, lad," he declared. "I knowed suthin' was wrong
when I run across the cabin, an' they didn't even ask me in ter warm my
bones. An' that was me you heard outside that night. I was tryin' ter
diskiver the mystery. I reckon I didn't git back until arter you fell,
else I'd a' heard you screech. You see, I took a roundabout way so as to
hide my tracks."

"Then we must act at once," replied Jerry. "If we don't, we won't save
the money. Raikes may return from New York any day."

"Time enough, lad," assured Mowry. "The rascals think you're dead, an'
they won't dream of leavin' the cabin. If you take keer of yourself
ter-day, you'll be able ter tramp down to Kingman an' organize a party."

Jerry insisted that he was as well as ever, and wanted to get up. But an
effort satisfied him that this was out of the question. So he submitted
to the inevitable as patiently as possible.

Mowry fed him on nourishing meat and broth during the day, and by
evening all traces of fever had left him.

A hasty breakfast was eaten in the morning, and the camp was put in
order. Then Mowry and Jerry started on their long tramp. The trapper
took a hand-sled with him, and whenever the level ground permitted, he
gave the lad a lift. Thus the journey was robbed o