company Mr. Baxter, the boys
and Johnson to the nearest settlement. The colored man improved very
much after a good breakfast, and, though he was not completely himself
for a long time after the blow, he eventually got well.

"Homeward bound!" exclaimed Mr. Baxter, as, with Holfax and some of his
acquaintances to drive the dog teams, they were carried on the
well-filled sleds over the frozen snow.

"And with all the gold safe!" added Fred. "Now I can help my father and
mother."

They made good time to the settlement on the Yukon River, whence they
had made the start for the interior.

The adventurers were lucky in finding a ship about to sail for Seattle,
whence they could take a train for San Francisco. Holfax was well
rewarded for his part in the treasure search, and three months after he
had left his home Fred Stanley, richer by fifteen thousand dollars (for
that was his share after Mrs. Stults's half and the expenses had been
taken out), started from the Piddock railroad station toward the little
cottage which, at one time, he feared he would never see again.

But something about it seemed strange. The shutters were closed, and
there did not appear to be any one in it. For a moment the boy felt a
deadly fear clutching at his heart. Suppose his father and mother had
died while he was away? He had heard nothing from them, and had merely
sent them a telegram from Seattle, telling them of his safe arrival,
but saying nothing of his success, for he wanted to surprise them.

As he started up the front walk he heard a noise. Around the corner of
the house came his father, limping along with a crutch, while his mother
was walking at his side. She was weeping.

"Mother! Father!" cried Fred. "What is it? What has happened?"

"I'll tell you what's happened!" exclaimed a gruff voice, and a
roughly-dressed man appeared. "They ain't paid their rent for two
months, and they're being dispossessed--put out--that's what it is."

"Mother, is this so?" asked Fred.

"Yes, dear. Your father lost his place as watchman, and our money gave
out. But never mind. Now you are safe back I shan't worry. We can easily
find another place. I can go back to sewing, and you will help us.
Perhaps some of the neighbors will care for us until you can get work."

"You don't need work, mother!" cried Fred, throwing his arms about her
neck. "We've got lots of money. The treasure hunt was a success! I've
got fifteen thousand dollars in gold as my