"Stick your arm in there and find out," Thede answered.

"I don't believe they'll jump on us if we keep our light going,"
George argued. "Anyway," he went on, "we've got to get somewhere
out of this wind and snow. If we don't, we'll freeze to death!"

Very slowly and cautiously the boys made their way into the cavern.
It was a small place, not more than six feet in width and twice
that in depth, and the electric revealed about all there was inside.

Two black huddles of fur showed under the finger of light, and as
the boys crept on, George with his automatic ready for use, two
pair of surly, pig-like eyes became visible.

The animals stirred restlessly as the boys advanced and finally
began edging toward one side of the cave, as if seeking a way out.

"Get out of the entrance," advised George as soon as both animals
were on their feet, "and we'll give them a chance to escape."

This plan was followed, and, much to the delight of the youngsters,
the animals sprang outside and for a moment disappeared in the
darkness.

"It's a shame to turn the poor creatures out in this storm!" George
declared. "Perhaps they were just entering upon their long
winter's sleep."

"We didn't order them out!" grinned Thede. "It amounts to the same
thing," George responded. "They've gone away, and are likely to