rick recognized the voice.

"This is nice missionary work, Mr. Pendergast," he replied. "I'm willing
to donate five dollars to the heathen if you'll be satisfied with that."

"No chaffing, young feller," growled the ruffian. "I'm not in the
missionary line now. If I don't get your pocketbook and watch and chain
in about ten seconds, I'll fix you."

Brick hesitated, and glanced toward the distant lights of the town.
There seemed no chance of saving his money. An idea struck him, and he
said, boldly:

"I've got friends at hand. You're making a big mistake to stay here."

"That bluff won't work," was the cool reply. "There's not a soul within
half a mile. Fork it over, quick."

Just then the pile of lumber began to tremble and sway, and down it came
with a crash.

Brick escaped injury by an agile leap that landed him on his enemy's
back. They went to the ground together, and rolled clear of the
avalanche of planks and snow.

The lad was almost a match for his wiry antagonist, and by a desperate
effort he tore loose and ran. Pendergast overtook him, and snatched the
collar of the cape-coat. Brick twisted out of the heavy garment and sped
on. He had the pocketbook buttoned safely under his jacket.

Threats rang behind him. A pistol cracked shrilly, and the ball whistled
by his head. He dashed on through the gloom, panting hard for breath,
and shouting hoarsely for aid. Nearer and nearer came the crunching
footsteps of his enemy.

Unluckily a boat lay right in the path. Brick spied it at such close
quarters that he had no time to swerve aside. He pitched roughly over
the gunwale and fell inside. The next instant Pendergast was kneeling on
him, and shaking him with savage anger.

"I'll fix you," he snarled, as he lifted his shining weapon. "I'll pay
you for this."

"Don't!" pleaded Brick.

He threw up his hands, and struggled to ward off the threatened blow.

"Take that," cried the ruffian.

Brick felt a stunning pain, and immediately lost consciousness.

CHAPTER II.

INTO THE WILDERNESS.

Brick struggled back to his senses amid strange surroundings. He was
lying on a soft bearskin in a small, picturesquely-furnished room. A
wood fire blazed in one corner, and a lamp swung from the ceiling.

Three of the walls of the apartment were of hard, polished clay,
ornamented with groups of guns, fishing rods and paddles. The fourth was
of heavy timb