We mustn't get separated," said Fred. "That would be terrible. Oh, how
my eyes hurt!"

"So do mine. It's just like once when some pepper blew in them. What
shall we do?"

"I don't know. We must think. Wait a minute. I'll take my belt and
fasten it to yours. Then we can't lose each other, and we'll have our
hands free," for in their despair the two lads were holding each other's
hands.

Fred held his gun between his knees that it might not sink down in the
snow. Then he fastened his belt to Jerry's. Neither of the boys could
see a foot in advance. It was just as if there was a black veil in front
of their faces, and, though the sun shone brilliantly on the white snow,
they could not distinguish it.

"Now what shall we do?" asked Jerry. "Have you any idea which way the
camp is?"

"I remember that as we came away from it the wind was at our backs."

"Then if we walk with the wind in our faces we ought to get somewhere
near it."

"That's so. Let's try it."

Stepping out cautiously, for they could not see where they set their
feet, the boys advanced. It was like walking in the darkest night.

"Do you think they'll come to look for us?" asked Jerry.

"Perhaps; but they won't think we're in this plight until quite late, if
it ever does occur to them. Then it will be dark, and they can't see our
tracks in the dark."

"Maybe the Indians can."

"Perhaps; but I doubt it."

"Then what shall we do? If we have to stay out in the open all night
we'll freeze to death. It's getting colder. I guess the sun must be
going down."

"I'm afraid so," replied Fred. He felt that, in a measure, he was
responsible for Jerry's plight, as he had been instrumental in
organizing the expedition. It was getting much colder, and the wind was
almost as cutting as a knife blade. It whipped stinging particles of
snow into their faces, but they dared not turn their heads aside, as, if
they did, they feared they would never get anywhere near camp.

"I have it!" cried Fred suddenly when they had proceeded cautiously some
distance. "Why didn't we think of it before?"

"What?"

"Firing our guns! They may hear them in camp and come after us."

"That's so. Here goes!"

Jerry pointed his rifle in the air and pulled the trigger. The report,
coming in that great stillness, sounded like a clap of thunder.

"We'll take turns at it, firing every five minutes, as near as we can
judge," said Fred. "That ought to tell them something is wrong with