"Hurrah, I see the shore," burst forth Dick, at length. "Let's make a spurt."
This the trio proceeded to do, and they were soon tramping over the snow toward the camp.
Startling news awaited them.
CHAPTER XVIII
WHO TOOK THE FURS?
Taken altogether by surprise, Bob Somers was, for an instant, almost incapable of motion. He saw the long, lithe body spring forward and heard the harsh, rasping snarl. Then, with a strong effort, he recovered his wits—like a flash his rifle was raised and fired.
Blending with the report came a terrific cry of fury and pain.
But the wildcat was only wounded. In his haste and alarm, Bob had not been able to reach a vital spot. The animal fell, but almost instantly rose.
"Give me a chance!" yelled Yardsley. "Skip around that there rock, an' I'll finish 'im."