They approached one of those long, sweeping bends to which allusion
has been made. Jennie had already proven that neither of her
companions could outspeed her. They were doing their utmost, but she
easily held her own with less effort than they showed.

In truth, she was slightly in advance as they began following the
curve of the river, her head, like each of the others, bent forward,
to see whither they were going.

"They are there!"

It was she who uttered the exclamation which sent a thrill through
both. They asked for no explanation, for none was needed, and an
instant later they were at her side, she slightly slackening her pace.

The sight, while alarming, was not all that Fred and Monteith
anticipated.

Three or four gaunt animals were trotting along the ice near the left
shore, but no others were visible.

"Keep in the middle while I take a turn that way," said Monteith,
sheering in the direction named.

Brother and sister did not read the meaning of this course, nor could
they detect its wisdom. But they obeyed without question.

Young Sterry hoped by making what might look like an attack upon the
famishing beasts to scare them off for a few minutes, during which the
three, and especially Jennie, could reach a point below them. With the