"And we couldn't turn back after we once got into Alaska. There is no such thing as travelling back and forth between the months of October and May. The rivers freeze up, and everything is snow and ice."
"Well, we'd have plenty of provisions—Uncle would be sure to see to that. We've got to vacate here, you must remember, in a day or two."
Again Earl was silent. He had sharpened up one end of the stick, and now he turned to the other. "I wonder where we could telegraph from best," he said at last.
Randy's eyes lit up instantly, and he caught his big brother by the shoulder. "Good for you. Earl; I knew you would say yes!" he cried. "Why, we can telegraph from Spruceville, can't we?"
"We can if they'll trust us for the telegram."
"If they won't, I'll pay for it. I'm not going to let such a chance slide by. The thing of it is," Randy added, sobering down suddenly, "how are we to get to Boston to get the money Uncle intends to send on?"
"We'll have to sell off our things here. They'll bring in something, although not much."
"Good! I never thought of that."
For two hours the boys talked matters over, and in the excitement dinner was entirely forgotten. Then a telegram was prepared which ran as follows:—
