feet are froze, Peter; there is no feeling nor power in them. But
lead on, and I will follow if I must crawl."

"Tarry a bit till I see"--

And not pausing to finish his sentence Browne set himself to climb the
tree beneath which they had passed the night. His cramped limbs and
benumbed fingers made this no easy task and more than once he was near
losing his grasp and finishing the story by a headlong fall to the
frozen earth, but this danger was passed also, and presently hastening
down he said,--

"Well, heavy though the clouds be I can see that east is that-a-way, and
not far from us rises a high hill. Come, then, lean on me; pass thy arm
around my shoulders this fashion and I will help thee on. Then I will
leave thee at the foot of the hill and myself climb it, and if need be
some tree upon its summit. From that I shall surely catch sight of the
sea, and knowing that we know all we need."

Goodman silently laid his arm around the stalwart shoulders presented to
him, but found himself too weak and spent for other reply, and Browne,
passing an arm around his waist, looked anxiously into his face,
saying,--

"Courage, lad, courage!"

"Ay, I WILL, by God's help!" murmured the poor lad as with agony
inexpressible he forced his stiffened limbs to follow one after the
other.

The hill, more distant than Browne had supposed, was only reached after
two hours of agonizing effort, and at the foot Goodman sank speechless
and exhausted, his eyes closed, his parted lips white and drawn. Browne
looked at him despairingly, and calling the dogs made one crouch at
either side close to the heart and lungs of the prostrate body, and then
hastened on up the hill muttering,--

"'T is best kindness to leave him." Half an hour later he came crashing
down again through underbrush and fallen branches shouting,--

"Courage, John; courage, man! From the top of the biggest tree on this
hill I've seen not only the sea, but our own harbor, and the old brig
rocking away as peacefully as may be. Think of the good friends and the
good Hollands gin and the good fires aboard of her. Come, rouse up, lad!
Once more pluck up thy courage and remember thy resolve! 'T is but
another hour or so and we are there!"

And yet the good fellow knew that not one but many hours lay before
them, and that it was for him to find strength and endurance for both.

Once more his cheery voice and assured courage conveyed power for
another effort to the half-