three lads could find his breath to
answer. The astonishing truth actually stunned them. They saw liberty
and safety looming up within their reach. There was no longer any doubt
concerning their chances for leaving this inhospitable land, and
carrying the answer which would mean so much to Mr. Bosworth and those
capitalists associated with him.

It was Jimmy who recovered first, and his ringing cheer that went
pealing forth over the heaving waters of Hudson Bay.

CHAPTER XXII.

THE MYSTERY SOLVED--CONCLUSION.

"Hooray for the greatest thing that ever happened!" Jimmy roared, as he
swung his campaign hat wildly about his head, and even started a jig,
such was his exuberant condition. "The luck of the Wolf Patrol holds as
good as ever! In the nick of time, the villain gets his dope and we pull
off a brilliant victory. Hooray!"

Indeed, the other boys felt almost as exultant as Jimmy; and hearing
all this racket, both Frank and the Cree chief came hurrying over,
wondering what it could stand for.

Many questions were poured upon Captain Bill and his younger companion,
who gave his name as Asa Plunkett, once captain of the very vessel upon
whose sloping deck they were then standing.

"A plenty of room for the whole kit of ye in our whale-boat, lads," said
the older man, "and I reckons as haow we kin find grub for the lot,
aboard the _Grampus_, which will soon be headin' for the home port,
since there ain't nawthin more to be picked up on this ere cruise into
foreign waters, and arunnin' risks all the time o' being hauled up by a
Canadian cruiser."

"Just gimme about ten minutes to bust open the bulkhead, and see if my
papers has stood all the exposure of months alyin' here on the beach,"
remarked Mate Plunkett.

"You bet we will, sir!" exclaimed Jimmy, "and if you want any help, just
sing out for me. I'm a champion hand to smash things. The habit's gone
and got me into lots of trouble before now. And here's an old, rusty
marlin-spike that might come in handy."

"We took pains to fetch a hatchet along for that purpose," the mate
informed him, as he hurried toward the companionway, meaning doubtless
to seek the cabin.

They soon heard him pounding away at a great rate, he having lighted a
lantern that had been fetched from the whaling vessel anchored a mile or
so away.

"Get your things together, fellows," Ned advised, "because we're
expecting to be afloat on Hudson Bay before many minutes."

"Seeing