ers in order that you may see the uselessness of telling us any
lies. We know who you are and all about you. You are the son of John
Larkins, the wealthy contractor of New York."

"Well, I don't deny it," replied Brick. "What's that to you?"

"You will find out presently," said Bogle, with a mocking smile. "I want
a little information first. These letters were written to you by your
father. The last one is dated at Mentone on the twenty-fourth of
November. Is he still there?"

"Yes."

"And how long will he remain?"

Brick hesitated an instant.

"My parents intend to stay in the south of France until spring," he
replied. "My mother's health is poor. My father took her abroad to avoid
cold weather."

"And you were left at college in New York," added Bogle, "in care of a
lawyer, who acts as a sort of guardian. What brought you to Maine at
this time of year?"

"I won't answer that," replied Brick, sullenly.

Bogle's eyes flashed. He made a threatening move forward. But a glance
from Raikes checked him.

"If the answer was of any importance, I'd soon find a way to open your
lips," he said, coolly. "Now sit down at that table and take the pen.
You must write two letters--one to your father, the other to this
lawyer, Frederick Glendale, whose address you know. I will dictate them.
Do you understand?"

A light broke suddenly on Brick's bewildered mind. He saw now why he had
been brought to this lonely place. His blood fairly boiled with
indignation. He faced Bogle with flashing eyes.

"You may keep me here for a lifetime," he cried, angrily, "but I won't
write a line."

CHAPTER XXI.

PLUNGED UNDER GROUND.

For two reasons Jerry and Hamp stayed but a short time at their
temporary camp by the Mallowgash.

In the first place, Hamp quickly recovered from the chilling effects of
his bath, and refused to be considered an invalid any longer. In the
second place, both lads felt a growing uneasiness concerning Brick. They
had no tangible suspicions or fears. They were merely anxious to
overtake him, since they were, in a measure, responsible for his safety.

Accordingly, in a little more than an hour after the parting, they were
ready to start. They crossed the Mallowgash at the frozen spot, and
easily picked up the trail. The two heavy sleds delayed them somewhat.
On the whole, they did not travel quite so rapidly as the other party.
As time slipped