hirst and cold. Morning dawned, and breakfast preparations
echoed through the cabin. The closet door was opened a slight crack, and
Bogle's voice asked.

"Have you had enough, youngster?"

"Yes," muttered Brick, sullenly.

"Will you write those letters?"

"Yes," in a reluctant tone.

The door opened wide, and Brick was pulled out into the warmth and
comfort of the room.

The youth's bonds were cut, and his stiffened limbs were rubbed with
brandy. Then he was seated at the table, and given a hot breakfast.
Raikes saw that he wanted for nothing, and even Bogle appeared to be in
a rare good humor.

By the time the dishes were cleared away, Brick felt in good shape
physically. But his sober and downcast face showed the keen humiliation
of his defeat. When writing materials were brought out, he took pen and
paper, and wrote at Bogle's dictation. Occasionally his eyes flashed, or
his nostrils quivered. But not a word passed his lips. Bogle read the
two letters in approving silence. Then he handed them to Raikes, who put
them in his breast pocket.

The matter was not again referred to. The day wore monotonously on.
Brick sat in a corner most of the time, looking miserable and unhappy.
His companions paid no attention to him, but whispered a good deal among
themselves.

The weather had moderated, and rain had fallen during the night. About
midday the sky cleared, and a strong wind sprang up. It grew bitterly
cold out of doors, and a blazing fire was scarcely sufficient to keep
the cabin comfortable. This seemed to give great satisfaction to Raikes
and Bogle. Brick overheard a few low remarks, such as "start at
daybreak," "hard crust on the snow," "no danger of discovery."

When night came, Brick went to sleep between his captors. The broad
light of day awakened him. He was alone on the bed, and his wrists were
manacled. Bogle was the only other occupant of the cabin. He stood
before the stove, stirring the contents of a frying-pan.

CHAPTER XXVI.

AVAILABLE PRISONER.

We left Kyle Sparwick and his young companions eating supper in the
mouth of the cavern. Blankets and a fire enabled them to spend the night
there very comfortably. Certainly they were much better off than Brick
in his cold and narrow closet.

The little party rose at the first streak of dawn. While Jerry prepared
breakfast, Hamp and Sparwick took a lantern and went deep into the
cav