-night," came from John Barrow seriously. "But where to take you to
out of this awful storm I scarcely know."

"Any kind of shelter will do," said Sam. "We can rig up a hut under some
big cedar tree."

"In that case, let us stick as closely to the river as possible."

"Why?"

"We can get fish then, if we need 'em."

No more was said, and the guide at once led the way to a thick clump of
cedars growing but a rod away from the edge of the river. The cedars
formed something of a circle, about fifteen feet in diameter, and by
clearing out some brushwood in the center they made quite a cozy resting
place. On the outside the cedars were laced together, and the snow was
banked up on all sides, leaving but one opening, two feet wide and
several feet high, for the purpose of supplying them with fresh air.

By the time the shelter was ready for use all the boys were so fagged
out they could scarcely stand. Dick and the guide had brought blankets
with them, and one of these was placed over the opening temporarily, to
keep out a large part of the wind. Then a candle was lit and John Barrow
burnt up a little brushwood, "jest to take the chill outer the place,"
as he explained. They did not dare to let the flames grow too high for
fear of setting fire to the cedars themselves.

As the boys lay on the brushwood resting, they heard the wind outside
increasing in violence, and saw the cedars bend to and fro, and listened
to them creak dismally.

"Mr. Barrow, how long do you reckon this storm will last?" questioned
Tom.

"There is no tellin', lad. Perhaps through the night, an' perhaps for a
couple o' days."

"If it lasts two days, we'll be snowed in for keeps!" came from Sam.

The guide shrugged his shoulders. "True, Sam, but we've got to take what
comes."

"Let us take account of our provisions," said Dick. "If there is any
prospect of our being snowed in we'll have to eat sparingly, or run the
risk of being starved to death."

There was not much to count up: some meat and crackers Dick and the
guide had brought along, and the meat, crackers, and the rabbit in Tom
and Sam's store. In his pockets John Barrow also carried some coffee,
sugar, and some salt.

"Not such a very small lot," was Dick's comment. "But it might be more."

A scanty evening meal was quickly disposed of, and then the candle was
blown out, and all retired to rest. The boys were soon sound asleep, and
presently the guide followed, but with his hand