He was glad when, finally, it appeared settled that he was not to be thrown into the sea.
Bill arose and replenished the fire, and following Hank's example refilled and lighted his pipe, then reseated himself.
Neither of the men spoke.

Beyond their great hulking figures the fire gleamed and sent a circle of radiance.

Beyond the circle the forest lay as black as a tomb.

The snow fell steadily, and the wind sighed and moaned ominously through the tree tops.
What were Doctor Joe and the lads doing?
Were they searching for him through the blackness of the night and the storm?
If he had only followed Doctor Joe's instructions and returned to camp in season! Would these men kill him?
Would he ever see the dear old home at The Jug again?
With these thoughts flashing through his mind Jamie prayed a silent little prayer: "Dear Lord, don't let un kill me! Take me back to The Jug again!" Many times he repeated this to himself.

Then there came to him something Thomas had once said when the mist was clouding his eyes: "Have plenty o' grit, lad, and a stout heart like a man." This comforted and strengthened him, and, like the prayer, he repeated it over and over again to himself as he lay watching the silent men.
For a long time he watched them and the fire beyond, and the falling snow and the black wall of the forest.