They had gained the highway, and Rod had just turned to leave his
companions, who lived in the opposite direction, when he stumbled and
fell over something lying in the snow. His cry of surprise soon
brought the rest of the scouts to his side. Regaining his feet, Rod
felt with his hands to see what the object was over which he had
tumbled.

"It's a man!" he shouted, straightening himself suddenly up. "Maybe
he's frozen. Come and let's carry him back to the house."




CHAPTER XXIV

THE PRODIGAL SON

Captain Josh and the doctor were enjoying the tea which Mrs. Britt had
ready for them, when the scouts arrived bringing the man they had found
in the snow. He was a heavy load, and the boys were almost exhausted
by the time they reached the house. In a few brief words Rod explained
how they had discovered him, and then the doctor at once examined the
unfortunate man. Soon all was in a bustle about the place, and not
until the unconscious man was attended to and in bed, did the boys
leave to begin once more their battle against the storm.

The stranger was a man of about thirty years of age, heavily bearded.
His face had the appearance of one who had experienced much suffering,
and his staring eyes were deep-sunken in their sockets. Mrs. Britt had
given him only a brief glance, but that was sufficient to remind her of