stove, filled with oil, and lit it, and then rolled Tom in two
blankets, and gave him something hot to drink. Then he found a stick
of wood, soaked it well in oil, and set it up in the ice as a torch.

All this while Tom lay like a log. He was breathing heavily, but he
did not open his eyes or speak. Evidently the shock had been a heavy
one. Dick did not know but what some of his brother's bones might be
broken.

An anxious hour went by, and in that time Dick did all he could for
Tom, who still laid in a stupor. Then came a shout, and Gus Schmidt
appeared, driving his dog team and with the runaway team also in
harness. Behind the first sled was the second--the one Tom had taken.

"So you got your brudder, hey?" said the German. "How vos he?"

"In bad shape, I'm afraid," answered Dick, soberly. "I guess the dogs
ran away and pitched him overboard."

"I dink you vos right, und da drow dem dings oferpoard, doo," and
Schmidt, pointed to the traps. "Veil, it's goot ve got der draps und
er sled pack."

"Can we get back to the others tonight?"

"Nein, it was too dark und cold. Ve go in der morning, to Riss Rifer.
Maybe dare you got a doctor, yah."

So it was settled, and the German proceeded to make himself and the
others as comfortable as possible. He prepared something to eat, and
suggested that Tom be given a little broth, made out of some dried
meat. This was done, and presently the sufferer opened his eyes and
tried to sit up.

"Whe--where in th--the world am I?" he asked, in a faint voice.

"Tom, you're all right," answered his brother, soothingly. "Do you
know me?"

"Why, of course I know you," came the wondering answer. "What happened
to me, Dick?"

"You ran off with a dog sled and got a nasty tumble."

"A dog sled? Dick, you are stringing me? Who's got a dog sled around
Brill?"

"Never mind, Tom, just keep quiet. You're very sick. Just rest
yourself."

"All right." Tom heaved a deep sigh. "Gosh! I do feel pretty bad!"
he added. He had tried to sit up, but now fell back exhausted.

It was a night never to be forgotten. The German snored peacefully,
but Dick did not close his eyes. He watched Tom closely, to do all he
could for his brother and make certain that the sufferer should not get
away again.

During the night it stopped snowing and in the morning the sun came out
as brightly as ever. Dick was astir early, and was gratified to see
that Tom was sleeping peacefully.