“Don’t overdo it,” Dallas said. “Even with you on the sledge it would be a light load for us two to draw.”
“You will not draw me, even if it would be,” replied Abel. “I feel stronger and brighter now than when I came out. It shows what a little energy will do.”
It was fairly light as they came within sight of the hut they had left that morning, and a faint curl of smoke rising from the roof showed that the fire was still alight; and all seemed to be perfectly right, till they were close up, when Dallas caught sight of a piece of timber lying across the front of the door, and began to run.
“Take care, my lad!” cried Tregelly; “There may be danger.”
Abel followed, but the dog out-speeded the little party, and rushing to the front, bounded in at the open door.
“Take care! take care!” cried Abel, as he saw that the door had been forced in their absence.
But he was too late, for his cousin had rushed up, rifle in hand, and sprung into the place.