CHAPTER XX
UNDER AN ARCTIC MOON
“I couldn’t stay awake,” Corporal Thalman said bitterly, in explanation of Moonshine Sam’s escape. “I was the only one to stand the watches, because I couldn’t trust any of the Eskimos to stick to their post. It’s a wonder he didn’t kill me while I was helpless.”
“But I thought he wanted to stay with us for protection from the vengeance of Mistak,” Corporal McCarthy said impatiently. “How was he acting up to the time you fell asleep?”
“He seemed to change his mind,” replied the other officer. “I recall him mumbling about the gallows, and about knowing he’d be hung if he was taken back by the police. I think he intends either to try to rejoin Mistak, or make his way south alone.”
“Well,” Corporal McCarthy’s voice was expressive of an inward, suppressed rage, “we’ll have to bring him back! If we don’t Mistak will kill him.”
Quickly, the Corporal gave his instructions. He and Corporal Thalman were to set out after Moonshine Sam as soon as they had eaten. Dick, Sandy and Toma were to remain in camp, and as soon as Constable Sloan and Sipsa came in with the searching parties, the boys were to report to them the escape of the outlaw and pass on orders for their aid in retaking the prisoner.
A half hour later, the two Corporals departed from the village of igloos with a day’s provisions, and a camp stove, packed on their backs. Not long after they had gone the searching parties straggled in, discouraged and half frozen from the blizzard which they, too, had been caught in.
Alone among the Eskimos, the three boys treated their frost bites with snow and alcohol rubs, fed themselves on musk-ox steaks, and when again fairly comfortable, became impatient at inaction. It was far worse to sit in idleness than to get out and do something.
“Let’s go hunting,” suggested Dick.
“That’s better than sitting here in this igloo waiting for something to happen,” Sandy rejoined. “I believe I’d go crazy in this awful silence if I had to sit around and wiggle my thumbs.”