When a feller is alone he can do just as he
pleases."

"That is true," answered Dick, with a faint smile.

"I know some other miners up here," went on Ike Furner. "I'm going to
hit for their camp an' stay there till Spring. How is the brother
makin' it?"

"He's sleeping now. I think he will be all right. He doesn't remember
anything about his trip up here."

An hour went by and Tom roused up. He looked blankly at Jack Wumble
and Ike Furner.

"Don't you know me, Tom?" asked the former. "We had some great times
out West, years ago."

"Sure I know you," and the sufferer grinned feebly. "You're Jack
Wumble, aren't you?"

"That's me. Put her thar, Tom!" And the old miner took Tom's hand and
held it tightly. "Glory to heaven! This is like a touch o' old times,
this is!"

Then Ike Furner approached, looking at Tom closely. But the youth did
not seem to recognize him.

"Know me, too, don't you?" asked the old prospector.

"I--I can't say that I do," was the slow answer, and Tom appeared much
perplexed. "Seems to me I've seen you somewhere, but I can't just
place you."

"Well, I'll be switched!" muttered Ike Furner. "Thet's the strangest
thing I ever hear tell on." He pulled on his rough beard. "Don't
remember me a' tall?"

"No. Who are you?"

"Ike Furner, the man you came to Alaska with."

"Alaska! I never went to Alaska!" cried Tom. He commenced to grow
excited. "Dick! Sam! What does this mean?" He tried to struggle to
his feet, but found himself too weak to do so.

"Keep quiet, Tom," ordered his elder brother. "It's all right. You've
been very sick, that's all, and--well, a bit out of your mind. You'll
be all right after a while."

"But that man said I went to Alaska."

"So you did. But it's all right, so just take it easy."

"Alaska! Great hambones! Am I in Alaska now?"

"Yes, if you must know. But do be quiet and rest yourself," went on
Dick, soothingly.

"What did I do, run away?"

"We'll talk about it later, Tom. You must rest now," and Dick made the
sufferer lie down as before. Then he motioned for Ike Furner to come
away.

"It's all right, I'll git out--I wouldn't stay fer a farm!" muttered
the old gold hunter. "Your brother is as crazy as they make 'em. I'm
glad to get shut o' him. Didn't remember me! I can't believe it!"
And a little later he bid the crowd farewell and took his departure, to
hunt up the other old prospectors he had mentioned. It may