"That is probably what they will do. But I think we can escape, as our dogs are much swifter than are theirs. Then we will proceed toward the river, get help, and return for the gold. Or, better than that, Holfax and his friends may come to our relief. They ought to be here soon."
"If he doesn't fail us," suggested Fred.
"I do not believe he will. Holfax is faithful."
Mr. Baxter's plan was soon put into operation. A great hole was dug in the ice, the enemy being unable to observe the operation because of the rampart. Then the gold, in bags, was put in, and the blocks of frozen crystal placed back again. To better cover up the place, Mr. Baxter melted some snow into water in a kettle over a fire and poured the water over the filled-up hole. It froze almost instantly, and no one would ever have suspected that beneath that ice there was a fortune in gold.
"When are you going to try to escape?" asked Fred.
"To-night, about midnight. I think they will be sleeping soundly then, and if the dogs keep quiet we can slip through their lines."
"Can't we muzzle the dogs?"
"I'm afraid not. They would probably be so frightened that they would make more fuss than ever. We can only trust to luck."
Meanwhile Johnson or one of the adventurers kept a close watch from the hummock. Though only occasional glimpses of the Indians could be seen, the number of fires that were built showed that the enemy was in a circle about the place.
"They have us fairly hemmed in," said Fred. "They evidently mean to get that gold."