“It won’t take me long, old fellow,” said Dallas; “and, by the way, I had better buy a tin of powder and some cartridges. Think you’ll be well enough to-morrow to clean and oil the guns while I’m down the shaft?”

“I’ll try; but the shaft will be full of drifted snow.”

“If it is, I’ll drift it out.”

“What’s that?” cried Abel, as a faintly heard howl came from the distance.

“Sounds like wolves. No dog would be out in a night like this.”

“Think they will come here and attack us?”

“Don’t know. I hope so.”

“What!” cried Abel, with a horrified look.

“Give me a chance to do a little shooting if they come in at the chimney hole. Glad of a bit of sport. Supply us with some fresh meat, too.”

“What, eat wolf?”