Part 36 (1/2)

”Given up? No. I feel that it is time I made an effort, and I shall be better and stronger if I do.”

”But you can't wear your boots, you know, and it will not be safe for you to trust to a bandaged sandal.”

”Can't wear my boots?” said Abel. ”Well, at any rate, I've got them on.”

”But they must hurt you horribly.”

”Not in the least,” said Abel, and his cousin was silent while he completed his exceedingly simple toilet--one that he would not have thought possible in the old days.

By the time he had finished, the door opened, and Tregelly stooped to pa.s.s under the lintel.

”Morning, my son,” he cried; ”I've been greasing the runners of the sledge a bit, and rubbing up the chest-strap. The thing wants using.

I've oiled the guns and six-shooters too. Beautiful morning. I say, how that dog has come round!”

For the great s.h.a.ggy brute had walked to the door to meet him, with his bushy tail well curled-up, and a keen look of returning vigour in his eyes and movements.

”Yes,” said Dallas; ”I never thought he'd live. But I say, Bel persists in going with us, and I'm sure he'll break down.”

”Well, that doesn't matter, my son. If he does we'll make him sit astride of the load as we come back, and each take a rope, and give him a ride home.”

”I shall be able to walk,” said Abel stoutly.

”Very well,” said Dallas. ”You always were the most obstinate animal that ever breathed.”

The breakfast was eaten, pistols and cartridges placed in their belts, rifles taken down from their hooks, and the fire banked up with big logs that would last to their return; and then Dallas took up one of the skin-lined sleeping-bags.

”What's that for?” said Abel suspiciously.

”For you to ride back in.”

Abel made an angry gesture. ”I tell you I'm better,” he said sharply.

”Well, never mind if you are, my son,” said Tregelly quietly. ”You must get tired, and if you are you'll be none the worse for a ride, but a good deal so if you get your toes frosted again.”

”Very well, make a child of me,” said Abel, and he gave way. ”Have we got all we want?”

”Better take something for a bit of lunch before we start back,”

suggested Dallas.

”Nay-y-ay!” cried the Cornishman, ”there's plenty yonder, and we may as well carry some of it back inside as out.”

”Come on, then,” said Dallas, and he strode to the door, when, to the surprise of all, the dog uttered a deep bark and sprang before them.

”Oh, come, that won't do,” cried Dallas. ”You've got to stop and mind the house.”

The dog barked fiercely, and rose at the door upon its hind-legs.

”Yes, he had better stay,” said Abel; ”we mustn't leave the place unprotected. Let's slip out one by one.”