heavily at it for a moment, and with a grunt which must have
reflected his mental decision hurled it far out over the plain.
Instantly the wolves were after it in a mad rush. The knife
followed the revolver; and after that, as coolly as though
breaking firewood, the giant went to Philip's rifle, braced it
across his knee, and with a single effort snapped the stock off
close to the barrel.

"The devil!" growled Philip.

He felt a surge of anger rise in him, and for an instant the
inclination to fling himself at Bram in the defense of his
property. If he had been helpless a few minutes before, he was
utterly so now. In the same breath it flashed upon him that Bram's
activity in the destruction of his weapons meant that his life was
spared, at least for the present. Otherwise Bram would not be
taking these precautions.

The futility of speech kept his own lips closed. At last Bram
looked at him, and pointed to his snowshoes where he had placed
them last night against the snow dune. His invitation for Philip
to prepare himself for travel was accompanied by nothing more than
a grunt.

The wolves were returning, sneaking in watchfully and alert. Bram
greeted them with the snap of his whip, and when Philip was ready
motioned him to lead the way into the north. Half a dozen paces
behind Philip followed Bram, and twice that distance behind the
outlaw came the pack. Now that his senses were readjusting
themselves and his pulse beating more evenly Philip began to take