CHAPTER XXX.
LAST WASHINGS FOR GOLD.
Just one day before their provisions gave out the skies brightened as if by magic and the sun came out warmly. They could scarcely believe their eyes, so sudden was the change. The snow was cleared away from the door, and every one lost no time in rushing out into the fresh air.
"This is living again!" cried Earl. And then he added: "Let us beat down a path to Wompole's cottage and see how he is faring."
The others agreed, and soon they had a trail to the next cabin, where an old Alaskan gold hunter had gone into quarters all by himself. Wompole was also out, and they shook hands. When questioned he said he had run out of everything but beans, dried peas, and some smoked salmon, and he agreed to let them have enough of his stores to last them three days longer.
"Winter is broke up now," he remarked. "An' I reckon thar ain't no doubt but wot ye kin git ter Dawson an' back, if ye try."
"And I shall try," said Foster Portney; and an hour later he and Captain Zoss started off on snowshoes which
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