"In course you aer; couldn't I tell that from what you've done this last five minutes?"
"Well," said Joe impatiently, "you look to the dogs. That's right, for you know a heap about them. What do I do?"
"You don't need to be thin-skinned, young chap. This ain't a time fer killing; I'll do that fast enough ef it comes to a tussle between us. What you've got to do is to rouse him off the sleigh, and then smother him so's he can't get clear of the lean-to till we've got aboard and has set the dogs going. Jest sling that 'ere rifle into the bushes here. Gently with it. Now you ain't bothered with extry weight. You comes with me to the place agin and watches while I get in amongst the dogs. Ef there's a noise, and Hurley rouses, bash the lean-to down on top of his head, jump on it, send the sticks and the snow about him, then leap on the sleigh and look out fer fireworks."
Joe grinned; he couldn't help doing so, in spite of the danger of the situation. "If there's not a row?" he asked.
"Ef there's not a ruction with them dogs and the other men, and things go nice and smooth and easy, I'll lift my hand when I'm ready. Then you get a grip of that thar Hurley, bash him over the head ef you like with your open hand, and, as he rises, bring the whole shanty down on him--eh? You're there, ain't you? It aer a clear and straightforward plan."
"Got it," answered Joe promptly, moistening his lips, and tingling with excitement and anticipation. "Do we start now?"
"This very instant. But supposin' Hurley suddenly rouses as soon as we get close, and afore you kin bring the shack down on him----"
"Leave that to me," answered Joe tersely. "I've had one innings with the ruffian already."
There never were two who understood each other so well and so easily as did Hank and our hero. Their discussion had taken them but a few bare seconds, and now they were creeping back. Joe halted when close beside the lean-to, while the little hunter sat down on his knees and whispered to the dog Jimmy. The hound seemed to have gathered his meaning too as rapidly as had Joe, for he went slinking forward and lay down beside his comrades. As might have been expected, his coming caused many of the beasts to open their eyes, though they did not offer to move. But Hank was watching eagerly, and a second later a morsel of flesh flew across, landing close to Jimmy. Others followed, and in an incredibly short space of time the dogs were all aroused and standing.