on on the hill above. This gave him a clue to the cabin's
situation. Evidently it backed up against the hill and at the rear was
almost drifted over with snow. In fact the snow was banked to the eaves
on both sides, the front only having been cleared. This was screened
from view by a thicket of young firs in such a way that one might pass
in front within thirty yards and not see the cabin unless looking
especially for it. It reminded Walter of nothing so much as the
cunningly hidden home of a fox.

The gray in the east had given way to a touch of rose color when Sparrer
sniffed softly and silently pointed to the chimney. A thin column of
smoke was beginning to rise. It was evident that the inmates were astir.
The situation was rapidly approaching a climax. Muffled sounds from
within the cabin reached the boys. With hearts thumping painfully the
watchers waited. Presently there was the creak of a door. From their
position Upton and Sparrer could not see what Hal from his location
farther to the right had a clear view of, a dark, roughly clad man who
stooped to pass out of the low doorway. But a moment later they saw him
as he entered the thicket, a pail in one hand. He was going to the
spring for water.

He passed from sight over the little rise that separated the slight
hollow where the cabin was located from the deeper hollow where the
spring was. As he reached the bottom he came into view again. They saw
him stop abruptly in his tracks as if frozen, then drop his pail and
half turn as if to run, only to stop again and throw his arms above his
head. Then Alec appeared, his rifle covering the man before him. There
was evidently a parley of some kind, but the distance was too great for
the sound of their voices to carry. Undoubtedly Alec had warned the
other not to raise his voice. With bated breath the boys watched the
strange pantomime below. It was plain that Alec was giving orders to
which the other objected, for he violently shook his head. The former,
who had partly lowered his rifle, raised it again menacingly, whereat
his captive appeared to capitulate. Lowering one arm he fumbled at his
belt and presently drew forth a wicked looking knife which with evident
reluctance he tossed at Alec's feet. The latter then permitted his
victim to lower the other arm and evidently issued an order, for the man
turned and with Alec behind him disappeared in the woods.

"He's taking him around to where Pat is," whispered Upton.