“Literally and figuratively both,” Rex laughed. “Looks to me as though we had a white elephant on our hands,” Jack said hitching his chair nearer the fire. “Exactly what I was thinking,” Rex agreed. “We’ve got to decide what to do with Parry. We can’t leave him here to starve to death and I don’t see how we can take him with us either. So there we are, betwixt the devil and the deep sea. I tell you,” he whispered, “we must take absolutely no chance of his getting loose. The fat would be in the fire for sure if he did.” “Well, have you any plan?” Bob asked. “Not a glimmer, have you?” “No, I can’t see a way out yet. How about you, Jack?” and Bob looked at his brother. “Guess I’m about in the same boat as the rest of you,” the boy replied. “The only thing I’ve thought of so far is for one of us to go to Ashland, I believe that’s the nearest town, and get help while the others stay here and watch him.” “Well, I’d like to know what’s the matter with that plan?” Rex smiled. “Ashland is only twelve miles from here and one of us could be back with help tomorrow night easily enough. What do you say, Bob?” “Sounds good to me,” Bob replied. “I’ll go.” “Not much you won’t,” Rex objected. “This is my job.” “Now look here, Rex,” Bob began, “You know as well as I do that it’s best for me to go. I don’t want to brag, but I can make a good deal better time on snow-shoes than you can and besides you don’t know the woods as well as I do, and you could easily lose your way and then we would be in a fix.” Rex realized the force of Bob’s argument and gave in. “I suppose you’re right,” he said. “But I hate to have you do all the hard work.” “Bosh on that hard work stuff,” Bob laughed. “Well, have it your own way,” Rex smiled. “But I haven’t thanked you for—” “Just lay off the thanks,” Jack interrupted. “We’ll take all that for granted, eh Bob?” “Sure we will, Rex, old man.” “Well it was mighty good and plucky of you just the same,” he declared. “And now you fellows better turn in and get some sleep. I’ll keep watch of our friend here.” The boys tried to object but Rex would not listen, declaring that he had been sleeping from twelve to fourteen hours a day and did not need any more for a week. It was nearly midnight by this time and, in spite of the excitement, both boys were asleep almost as soon as they tumbled into the bunk, which, fortunately, was wide enough to hold them both. As soon as he was sure that they were asleep Rex went over to Parry and examined his bonds. The breed did not say a word and, after assuring himself that he had not loosened them, he went back to his chair by the fire. When Bob woke the light was still burning as daylight had not yet come. But a glance at his watch told him that it was nearly five o’clock. Rex was getting breakfast and turned as Bob got out of the bunk. “All quiet along the Potomac?” the latter asked.