optics. There was a narrow slit through which to look, an opening so
narrow that only a little light penetrated through it. The goggles were
fastened on with a piece of deer thong. Regular glasses, with metal
rims, could not have been worn, as the great cold would have frozen them
fast to the nose and face.

"We start through the great wilderness to-morrow," said Mr. Baxter to
the boys in the tent that night. "I have been studying the map," he
added, after listening to see that none of the Indians were walking too
close outside the shelter. "I think we are on the right trail, though,
of course, we are too far off to tell exactly. I have a plan, of which
I have not told you yet."

"What is it?" asked Fred.

"I am going to get rid of all the Indian guides, save one, and he is
Holfax. I know I can trust him. The others, especially Zank, I believe
are thieves, and very dishonest."

"But can we get along with one?" asked Fred.

"Yes. Holfax says he can take the leading dog team, and, attaching the
other dogs to the head sled, he can pilot them all. In this way, when we
reach the treasure, only one Indian, and, I believe, an honest one, will
know about it. Thus we will not run such a chance of being robbed."

"But what will you do with the three Indians you are going to
discharge?" asked Jerry.

"They will go off to join a branch of their tribe, that is encamped not
far from here. I have spoken to Holfax about it, and he says they will
only be too glad to go, as the remainder of the journey is very
difficult. I am going to pay them off when we camp to-morrow night, and
then we will shift for ourselves."

"I hope we don't get lost again," remarked Fred.

"No; after this no one must leave camp," said Mr. Baxter. "We will make
that a rule."

They started through the big wilderness the next day. The dogs, well
rested, pulled the sleds at a good speed, though it was, most of the
way, up a hard slope.

It was still very cold, and the travelers burrowed down in the piles of
robes on the rear parts of the sleds. The Indians did not seem to mind
it, though they did not have on as many garments as did the adventurers.
Johnson suffered more than did any of the gold-seekers, for he was of a
race that loves warmth. But he did not complain, and, when he felt too
cold he got off, put on his snowshoes, and ran alongside. At times he
would help pull the sleds up some steep hill.

When they made camp that night Mr. Baxter, throu