Part 25 (1/2)

CHAPTER XXI

CAPTURED

As the dogs drew the sleds down the little elevation on which the gold was buried, and where the fort was built, the treasure finders caught a glimpse of their enemies.

The Indians had established four camps, about equal distances apart, depending on members from each one to guard the s.p.a.ces between. Four fires glowed on the snow, and little dark heaps here and there showed where either dogs or the Indians were huddled up in slumber.

Mr. Baxter directed the leading dog team as nearly as possible between two fires. He hoped none of the natives would awake, and certainly there seemed to be no danger of disturbing any guards, for there were none to be seen, at least none patroling the open s.p.a.ces.

But his hopes were doomed to disappointment. One of the Indian dogs set up a sudden howl. Perhaps it was a challenge in the Alaskan dog language. At any rate, it was answered from several throats of the beasts pulling the sleds of our friends.

”That will bring them out!” exclaimed Mr. Baxter in dismay. ”No need for silence now!”

He shouted to the dogs, calling loudly, and cracked the long whip.

Barking and snarling, bidding defiance to their fellows in the camp of the enemy, the animals rushed on.

But the barking had roused the Indians and likewise their white leader.

Callack's voice could be heard urging on his men. One or two rifles were fired, probably at random.

”Whip your dogs, boys,” called Mr. Baxter, and Fred and Jerry let the long lashes fly.

The Indians were leaping to their feet and shouting. Several hurried to their sleds and began harnessing the animals.

Even then the fugitives might have escaped had it not been for their own dogs. A series of loud howls came from the beasts of the Indians. This was too much for the others. With wild yelps, utterly disregarding the voices and whips of Mr. Baxter, the boys and Johnson, who tried to urge them on, the brutes turned and made straight back for the camp of the Alaskans, probably intent on fighting with those who had challenged them.

”They're taking us right into the midst of the enemy!” cried Fred.

”Let's jump off and run!”

He tried to do so, but he was so enc.u.mbered with robes and fur coats that he could not.

Mr. Baxter was trying his best to guide the leading team to one side, but it was useless. Lash them as he did the dogs kept on, straight for the Indian camp, beyond which they had almost pa.s.sed.

”We've got 'em!” yelled Callack. Then he cried some commands in the Alaskan tongue.

”Shall we fire?” cried Fred.

”No, don't!” replied Mr. Baxter. ”You can't tell where you are aiming.

You might kill one of us. I guess it's all up. But I'm glad I buried the gold,” he added to himself.

A moment later the adventurers were fairly in the hostile camp, and Jacob Callack and his men had surrounded them.

”Surrender! We've got you!” yelled the rascally white man.

”Yes, you've got us,” admitted Mr. Baxter coolly, ”but you wouldn't have if our dogs hadn't turned back.”

”They're fine dogs,” answered Callack with a sneer. ”I think I'll take 'em for myself. Now then, get off your sleds and we'll talk business.

After I have the gold I may consent to let you have your dogs back, though you don't deserve it, for you've made me a lot of trouble.”