for an
Alaskan dog will, in stress of hunger, devour its own harness.

Suddenly there was an uproar among the animals, they probably thinking
the approach of the captives meant that food was going to be
distributed. There were barks, snarls and yelps. Some of the half-savage
beasts jumped up on Fred and Jerry, and the boys had to beat them off.

"They're as bad as wolves!" exclaimed Mr. Baxter.

Then from one of the tents appeared Callack. He had been aroused by the
noise, and saw the prisoners free, rushing down on his camp.

"Here!" he cried. "What's up?"

With a bound Mr. Baxter sprang for the man. He had determined to
overpower him if he could and get food. But in his weakened condition he
was no match for his enemy. Callack dealt Mr. Baxter a blow that felled
him. Then the leader of the Indians called for help to recapture the
prisoners.

It looked as if they would again be taken back to the stakes and kept
there until they died. A hopeless fear was in the hearts of the three.
Johnson was still back on the hummock.

"Hold 'em!" cried Callack. "Shoot 'em if they resist!"

But none of the three was in a position to resist. Mr. Baxter was
grasped by half a dozen hands, and several of the Indians surrounded
Fred and Jerry. Mr. Baxter was willing to give up now. Fate was against
them. He was about to call to Callack that he would tell where the gold
was when a shot was heard at the edge of the camp.

It came so suddenly, and was so evidently fired by some one not
connected with the thieving band, that it produced an instant cessation
of activities.

Then a voice was heard calling.

"Where be Mr. Baxter? Where be? Where boys? Got plenty help now! Plenty
much fight!"

Another shot was heard. Callack looked around wonderingly. Some of his
Indians released their hold of the captives.

Just then there rushed into the center of the camp the figure of a man
completely enveloped in furs. In his hand he held a rifle, and he rushed
up to Callack and pointed the weapon in his face.

"Let Mr. Baxter go!" he shouted. "Me know you. You Callack. Zank tell
me. I tie Zank up. He tell all. But he get away. Me see him here."

"Holfax! It's Holfax!" cried Fred in delight.

"Thank God for that!" murmured Mr. Baxter. "He came just in time!"

Following their brave leader came two score of friendly Indians,
uttering shouts of defiance at the enemies of Holfax's friends.

Several shots were fired. The thieves, taken by sur