ine of the Indians to make good their escape? That was the question in
the hearts of the four.

CHAPTER XXI

CAPTURED

As the dogs drew the sleds down the little elevation on which the gold
was buried, and where the fort was built, the treasure finders caught a
glimpse of their enemies.

The Indians had established four camps, about equal distances apart,
depending on members from each one to guard the spaces between. Four
fires glowed on the snow, and little dark heaps here and there showed
where either dogs or the Indians were huddled up in slumber.

Mr. Baxter directed the leading dog team as nearly as possible between
two fires. He hoped none of the natives would awake, and certainly there
seemed to be no danger of disturbing any guards, for there were none to
be seen, at least none patroling the open spaces.

But his hopes were doomed to disappointment. One of the Indian dogs set
up a sudden howl. Perhaps it was a challenge in the Alaskan dog
language. At any rate, it was answered from several throats of the
beasts pulling the sleds of our friends.

"That will bring them out!" exclaimed Mr. Baxter in dismay. "No need for
silence now!"

He shouted to the dogs, calling loudly, and cracked the long whip.
Barking and snarling, bidding defiance to their fellows in the camp of
the enemy, the animals rushed on.

But the barking had roused the Indians and likewise their white leader.
Callack's voice could be heard urging on his men. One or two rifles were
fired, probably at random.

"Whip your dogs, boys," called Mr. Baxter, and Fred and Jerry let the
long lashes fly.

The Indians were leaping to their feet and shouting. Several hurried to
their sleds and began harnessing the animals.

Even then the fugitives might have escaped had it not been for their own
dogs. A series of loud howls came from the beasts of the Indians. This
was too much for the others. With wild yelps, utterly disregarding the
voices and whips of Mr. Baxter, the boys and Johnson, who tried to urge
them on, the brutes turned and made straight back for the camp of the
Alaskans, probably intent on fighting with those who had challenged
them.

"They're taking us right into the midst of the enemy!" cried Fred.
"Let's jump off and run!"

He tried to do so, but he was so encumbered with robes and fur coats
that he could not.

Mr. Baxter was trying his best to guide the leading team to one side,
but it was useless. Lash them as he d