one.

"I don't think we're getting lost, Sam; we _are_ lost, no two ways about
it. We've got to keep our eyes open and our wits about us, or we'll be
getting into a first-class mess."

"It must be almost noon," went on the youngest Rover, and pulled out his
watch. "Phew! Half-past twelve!"

"Thought I was hungry. Is there anything in this load good to eat?"

"I don't know. Let us look and see. We can't go on, hungry."

They unstrapped the load and examined it. There were blankets there and
some camp utensils, and a box containing crackers, cheese, and chipped
beef.

"Crackers and cheese will do on a pinch," said Tom. "Come, we mustn't
lose more time than is necessary."

Yet eating and resting was very pleasant, and they spent the best part
of half an hour under the sheltering limbs of a big cedar tree. Both
were dry, but eating snow did not seem to quench their thirst. The wind
increased as they ate, but the snow now came down more lightly.

They decided to strike out on something of a trail running to the
northwest. It was hard work hauling and carrying the sled over the rocks
and through the bushes, and they often had to halt for breath.

"There goes something!" cried Tom presently. "Sam, did you see it?"

"I saw something, but it disappeared before I could make out what it
was."

The object had crossed their path a hundred feet ahead of them. Now it
reappeared somewhat closer, and both boys saw that it was a lean and
hungry-looking wolf.

"A wolf!" cried Sam.

"Wonder if I hadn't better shoot him," said Tom, unslinging his gun.

"Better save your powder, Tom. I don't believe he'll attack us--at least
not while it is light."

"A shot might bring an answering signal from Dick," went on Tom
suddenly. "What fools we have been, not to think of that before!"

The wolf kept hidden and Tom did not shoot, expecting to see the beast
reappear at any instant. On they went, keeping an eye on the bushes and
trees on both sides of them. Once they heard the patter of the wolf's
feet on a stretch of bare rocks, but that was all.

"I'll fire a shot, anyway," said Tom at last, and aimed in the direction
where they had heard the sounds last. To his intense surprise a yelp and
a snarl followed.

"Great Caesar! I hit him after all," began Tom, and then leaped back.
"Look out, Sam, he's coming for us!"

Tom was right. The wolf, wounded in the left flank, had suddenly
appeared. His eyes blazed with pain and fury, and