" What about going hunting, then? " asked Altamont. " We must put it off for a day or two, I think, and rub- out the marks again, and see if they are renewed to-mor-
row."
The Doctor's advice was followed, and they entrenched themselves for the present in the fort. The lighthouse was taken down, as it was not of actual use meantime, and might help to attract the bears. Each took it in turn to keep watch on the upper plateau.
The day passed without a sign of the enemy's existence, and next morning, when they hurried eagerly out to examine the snow, judge their astonishment to find it wholly un- touched !
" Capital ! " exclaimed Altamont. " The bears are put off the scent ; they have no perseverance, and have grown tired waiting for us. They are off, and a good riddance. Now let us start for a day's hunting."
"Softly, softly," said the Doctor; "I am not so sure they have gone. I think we had better wait one day more. It is evident the bears have not been here last night, at least on this side ; but still "
" Well, let us go right round the plateau, and see how things stand," said the impatient Altamont.
" All right," said Clawbonny. " Come along."
Away they went, but it was impossible to scrutinize care- fully a track of two miles, and no trace of the enemy was discoverable.
" Now, then, can't we go hunting? " said Altamont.
"Wait till to-morrow," urged the Doctor again.
His friend was very unwilling to delay, but yielded the point at last, and returned to the fort.
As on the preceding night, each man took his hour's watch on the upper plateau. When it came to Altamont's turn, and he had gone out to relieve Bell, Hatteras called his old companions round him. The Doctor left his desk and Johnson his cooking, and hastened to their captain's side, supposing he wanted to talk over their perilous situa- tion ; but Hatteras never gave it a thought.
" My friends," he said, " let us take advantage of the American's absence to speak of business. There are things which cannot concern him, and with which I do not choose him to meddle."
