He made up his mind that the band of Braxton Wyatt was there, and he intended to make a thorough scout about it.

He advanced until the smoke line became much thicker and broader, and then he stopped in the densest clump of bushes that he could find.

He meant to remain there until darkness came, because, with all foliage gone from the forest, it would be impossible to examine the hostile camp by day.

The bushes, despite the lack of leaves, were so dense that they hid him well, and, breaking through the crust of ice, he dug a hole.

Then, having taken off his snowshoes and wrapped his blanket about his body, he thrust himself into the hole exactly like a rabbit in its burrow.