eeded any urging. Such was
the love they all had for those young people that gladly would any one
of them have risked his own life for theirs.

Around the next point, now not far away, again rang out the three
reports, and soon a most welcome sight greeted the eyes of Mr Ross and
his crew. For there, distinctly visible on the shore, were four happy
young people waving their welcomes.

"Thank God," reverently said Mr Ross. "They are all safe." And,
strong man that he was, he wept like a child. Other eyes than his were
moist also. With an effort he checked his deep emotion, and was so able
to control himself that ere the shore was reached he was calm and
collected.

When within hailing distance hearty words of congratulation rapidly
passed back and forward. Such was the nature of the shore that a good
place where they could step into the boat from the shore was not easily
found, and so the men at the oars rowed up on the sandy beach as far as
they could, and then, running out three oars, made a walk that answered
very well.

Good Mr Ross was so wild with delight at the fact of the preservation
of these young folks, whom he loved so well, that he was the first to
rush out and try and gather them all in his arms.

In the excitement of the rescue Napoleon, the tame bear, had been quite
forgotten, but now he acted as though he had been doing his share of
thinking, and had come to the conclusion that, if his liberty was to be
associated with cyclones, he had had enough of it; and so, just as Mr
Ross and the young people were about to go on board the boat, he
deliberately came marching out of the cave and, carefully balancing
himself, walked up on the oars and took a comfortable position in the
boat.

His unexpected appearance very much startled the men, and there was a
general scramble for guns. Alec, quick to see his danger, rushed up,
and taking a position beside Napoleon forbade any shooting, and speedily
made some very necessary explanations, much to the relief and amusement
of all.

It did not take long to return to Sagasta-weekee, and great indeed were
the rejoicings there.

Soon the other search boats returned, and the anxieties of all were thus
speedily relieved. After the recital of the story of their narrow
escape an impressive thanksgiving service was held, and every heart was
full of gratitude for their deliverance.

Winter Adventures of Three Boys--by Egerton R. Young

CHAPTER TWENTY FI