pen water came to an abrupt end, with the ice firmly
connected with the shore.

"We're just across from the p'int outside Deer Harbour," said Toby. "We
can make un to Deer Harbour now, and bide there till the storm passes.
We'll be findin the Deer Harbour ice fast, I'm not doubtin'."

"But we'll keep close to shore!" suggested Charley cautiously.

"Aye, we'll do that," agreed Toby. "We'll be takin' no more chances with
the ice."

An hour later they again drove up to Skipper Cy Blink's trading store,
and received a hearty welcome from the Skipper.

"I'm wonderful glad to see you! Wonderful glad!" greeted the Skipper.
"I've been blamin' myself ever since you goes for lettin' you start with
the wind the way she were, and fearin' all the time you'd be gettin'
caught in a break up."

Skipper Cy Blink made much of the bear that Charley had killed with his
new rifle, and admitted that such game would surely have made him
forget, quite as readily as it had the boys, about the danger of the
ice going abroad.

"'Twere fine you knocks he over," enthused the Skipper. "I never could
have let a white bear pass without _tryin_' to knock he over, whatever.
You lads bide here in comfort till the storm passes. 'Twill be a short
un. I'm thinkin' 'twill clear in the night, and the wind'll shift
nuth'ard before to-morrow marnin', and before to-morrow evenin' the
ice'll be fast again on the bay."

And, as Skipper Cy had said, so it came to pass, and on the second
morning after their return Toby and Charley turned again toward Pinch-In
Tickle and Double Up Cove, with the ice beneath them as firm and solid
and safe as ever it was.

How glad the boys were to reach Pinch-In Tickle! There would be no more
danger of bad ice to face, and the difficult ballicaders were behind
them, a fact that was particularly appreciated by Charley.

They made a rousing fire in the stove, and fried some bear's meat to
satisfy a hunger that had been accumulating since they had left Deer
Harbour in the morning. Then a fishing net that needed repairs was made
ready to lash upon the komatik with the load in the morning, the dogs
were fed, and they settled for a cozy evening while they talked over
their adventures, and Charley's new rifle.

"'Tis the finest shootin' rifle I _ever_ sees," declared Toby, adding
wistfully: "I wishes I had one like she. Maybe with the silver fox
Dad'll be lettin' me have un."

"When I get home I'll have my Dad send you one, T