de'ye think?"

"I'm afraid not. He is wounded internally. He was badly jammed by the
ice."

"An' how did you come through without gittin' pinched?"

"I cannot tell. It was all like a terrible dream. The water swept me
off my feet, and when I thought it was all up with me, Pete seized me
in his strong arms. A block of ice caught us and drove us to the
shore, crushing Pete as it did so. Oh, it was fearful! We were face
to face with death."

"An' Bill went down?"

"That was Pritchen, was it?"

"Yes."

"What were you doing to him?"

"Stretchin' his neck."

"I thought so. Did he confess?"

"Yes, coughed up everything."

"Poor chap!"

"It sarved 'im right. He was a bad egg."

"But he was not always bad."

"Ye don't say so! What changed 'im into sich a divil?"

"Drink, gambling and evil companions."

"It seems, sir, that ye knowed 'im afore he struck the North."

"Know him! I should say I did know him! He was my only sister's
husband. Oh, Nellie, Nellie! How can I ever tell you all! But how
about the men?" he suddenly asked, wishing to change the subject, which
was becoming most painful.

"What, the b'ys down yon?"

"Yes."

"In a bad way. Nothin' left."

"And they've no food?"

"Not a scrap."

"Well, look here, Mr. Burke. There's the school room which the men can
use until they get new cabins built. They will have to do their
cooking outside, but there is a stove in the place which will keep them
warm at night. I have just seen the old chief, and the Indians will
loan what blankets they can spare until the steamer arrives."

Sol's eyes opened wide with amazement. "De'ye mean it?" he asked. "I
know ye'ud do what ye could to help us out, but I didn't think them
Injuns 'ud ever fergit what was done to 'em."

"Yes, I mean every word I say. And what's more, the Indians are
willing to give what food they can to the miners. They have a fair
supply of dried fish and moose-meat, which will help some."

In reply Sol stretched out a huge hand. "Put it thar!" he said, and
tears stood in his eyes. "I can't say any more, but I'll tell the
b'ys, an' they'll thank ye."

When Keith returned to the Radhurst cabin he met Constance just outside
the door.

"Oh, I am so glad you have come back!" she said. "Pete is awake and
calling for you."

"How long did he sleep?" questioned Keith.

"Only a short time after you left. I am afraid he is failing fast."

A faint smile passed ov