Edward Stratemeyer

“ Not having any other name, the boys had christened the place for which they were bound, Robber Island. It was a lonely spot, rocky in some places and covered with woods and underbrush in others. The shore was fringed with bushes, through which the driven snow had sifted to a depth of two feet and more.
"Here we are!" cried Dave, as they came in sight of one end of the island. "Lower the sail, or we'll be sliding into the trees and rocks." ”

“ At one point there was a sharp decline on the left.
"We'll have to be careful here!" cried the Englishman to the driver. "Otherwise we may all take a tumble."
He had hardly spoken when a sleigh ran up on a rock on one side and plunged into a hollow on the other. In a twinkling the turnout was upset. Dave felt himself pitched out and rolled over and over before he could stop himself. Then he went down and down, he knew not whither. His hand touched that of Roger, and instinctively the two chums clung to each other. The snow filled their eyes, ears, and noses, and almost smothered them. ”

“ He held a pistol in his hand, but the weapon was empty.
For the instant man and boy faced each other—the former too weak to speak and the latter too agitated to do so. Dave's heart was beating like a trip-hammer and for the time being his surroundings were completely forgotten.
"Are you—are you——" he began. "Are you David Porter?" he blurted out.
"Yes," was the gasped-out reply. "Yo—you——"
"And you don't know me! Oh, father!" ”

“ And even then I know of no way to reach the spot to which the poor man fell."
"I'll reach that somehow," said Dave, when the guide's words had been translated to him.
"Well, lad, you must be careful," cautioned Granbury Lapham. "No use in your losing your life, you know."
But Dave merely shook his head. He was bound to find his father, dead or alive, no matter what the cost. For the time being he could think of absolutely nothing else. That, and that alone, possessed him, heart and soul. ”

“ He now stood where there was a gentle slope leading to the firs growing at the foot of the cliff. Here there was a great drift of snow, in some spots fifteen and twenty feet high.
"I wonder if father came down in that?" he mused. "If he did he wouldn't be apt to break any bones. But he might get smothered before he could find his way out, especially if the fall took his breath away."
He gazed around in the drift and saw a spot where it looked as if the snow had been disturbed. Then he saw what looked to be footprints further on, leading among the firs. ”

“ In a few minutes the wolves had come up and were glaring at Mr. Porter and Dave as they crouched close to the camp-fire. There were fourteen of the beasts, all large, lean, and hungry-looking. They sniffed the air and set up yelps and mournful howls. Two found the spot where one of the bears had been wounded and pawed at the blood which had saturated the snow.
"Oh, for a brace of good shotguns!" sighed Dave. "We could scatter them in short order."
"When we shoot we must make every shot tell," said his father. "And keep the cartridges where we can get at them quickly. How many left, Dave?" ”

“ Porter heaved a sigh.
"More bad luck," he observed. "By morning. If this keeps on, we'll be snowed in."
"Look," said Dave. "I believe the wolves are getting ready to rush us!"
Both strained their eyes and soon saw seven or eight of the beasts sneaking softly up through the snow. The light from the camp-fire shone in their eyes and on their white fangs. They were growing desperate, and hoped by sheer force of numbers to lay their human prey low.
"Fire three shots, Dave, and I will do the same," said Mr. Porter, in a low tone. "Aim as carefully as you can, my boy." ”

“ Granbury Lapham had had practically no experience with horses and in the present trying emergency he was as helpless as an infant. He sawed this way and that on the reins, and yelled at the top of his lungs. This merely served to frighten the steeds still more, and away they sprang at a greater speed than ever.
"We'll be killed!" gasped Roger. He stood up, pale with fright.
"Don't jump out!" cried Dave. "Maybe I can stop them." ”

“ If ever a boy was conquered, it was Gus Plum at that time. At first he could not realize that Dave had saved him. "To think you would do this for me—you!" he sobbed. "And I thought you hated me!" And then he broke down completely. He confessed how he had tried to injure Dave and his chums, but said he had had nothing to do with the robberies. Nick Jasniff had wanted him to go in with the robbers, but he had declined.
"I am going to cut Jasniff after this," said Gus Plum, "and I am going to cut Nat Poole, too. I want to make a man of myself—if I can." ”

“ SNOWBOUND IN THE MOUNTAINS
"If we stay here we'll be in danger of the falling trees!" cried Dave. He had to raise his voice to make himself heard above the fury of the elements.
"That's true, but where are we to go?" questioned Roger. The look in his eyes showed his keen anxiety.
"Isn't there some kind of a cliff around here, under which we can stand?" asked Granbury Lapham of the sleigh driver. Hendrik shrugged his shoulders for a moment, then suddenly tossed his head. ”

“ They made Dave shiver as if with ague, and, all in a blaze he could not curb, he sprang towards Link Merwell. Out shot first one fist and then the other, the blows landing on the eye and chin of the tall youth. They made him stagger back against the ice-boat. ”

“ There is no denying the fact that Dave was startled. It was one thing to have Roger missing, it was quite another to have his chum gone and have the berth made up as if it had never been occupied.
"He went to bed—I saw him go," muttered the boy from the country to himself. "Am I dreaming, or what can the matter be?"
The more Dave thought over the affair the more was he puzzled. As quickly as he could, he put on some of his clothing and slipped on his shoes. Then he opened the stateroom door and stepped out into the passageway leading to the main saloon. ”

“ The thought that their two companions might possibly have been killed by the toppling over of the sleigh filled Dave and Roger with fresh horror, and for several minutes neither of the youths spoke. They listened for some sound, but none came. Then Roger heaved a deep sigh.
"Perhaps we had better try to climb out," he suggested, timidly.
"I've thought of that, Roger. But what if we slip when we get out? Why, the bottom of the valley is quarter of a mile further down. I don't want such a tumble, on top of the one we have already experienced." ”

“ Porter, fervently.
"Oh, we must get away!" added Dave, impulsively.
"All we can do is to fight to the last, Dave."
"Yes."
Both knew only too well what to expect should the wolves get the better of the contest. "As cruel as a wolf" is a true saying. They would be torn limb from limb and only their bones would be left to tell to some later traveler the story of their fate. They decided, with set faces and shut teeth, to fight to the very last. ”

“ Dave felt like groaning when he heard Mrs. Clever's words. Then what Jasniff had written in the letter to Gus Plum was true—he had met Mr. Porter and Laura. Had he tried to set himself up as a friend? It was more than likely.
"And father and Laura don't know what a rascal he is," Dave murmured to his chum. "Oh, I feel as if I could wring his neck! For all I know, he has been making himself agreeable to my sister. Isn't it enough to make one's blood boil?"
"It certainly is, Dave. But I fancy your sister will soon be able to size up such a fellow as Jasniff." ”

“ The shock threw Dave backward into Roger's lap.
"Hi! hi!" yelled Granbury Lapham, in quick alarm. "They are running away! Stop them! Whoa! whoa!" And he tugged helplessly at the lines.
The steeds paid no attention to the command to stop and the pulling on the reins did not appear to bother them in the least. On and on the downgrade of the mountain road they bounded, causing the sleigh to bounce from one side to the other. They were certainly running away, and to the occupants of the sleigh it looked as if each moment might bring a smash that would terminate fatally. ”

“ At the academy Dave Porter seemed to be a natural leader, although that place had been at times disputed by Nat Poole, Gus Plum, and others. It was wonderful what a hold Dave had on his friends, considering his natural modesty. Physically he was well built and his muscles were those of a youth used to hard work and a life in the open air. Yet, though he loved to run, row, swim, and play games, Dave did not neglect his studies, and only a short time before this story opens had won the Oak Hall medal of honor, of which he was justly proud. ”

“ If you had remained honest there would have been no call for you to run away."
"Oh, don't preach, Dave Porter."
"What Dave says is true, Jasniff," said Roger.
"If you have suffered, it is all through your own dishonesty."
"Who says a relative of mine is dishonest!" came a loud, harsh voice from the doorway of the library, and turning quickly Dave and Roger found themselves confronted by an old man, white with sudden rage, and brandishing a heavy cane in his hand. ”

“ Roger had gotten some hot ashes in his face, and he was confused and half blinded thereby.
The excitement lasted nearly five minutes, and when it was over the boys stood there with their hoods and robes off, gazing at each other nervously.
"Who did this?" demanded Phil.
"That was too much of a good thing," said Shadow. "Why, some of us might have been burned to death."
"Kind of rough initiation," remarked Gus Plum, dryly. "But I didn't catch it as much as Roger and Ben."
"That wasn't down on the programme," returned Dave. "At least, it wasn't so far as I am concerned." ”

“ As the train stopped at one station and another along the line, it began to fill up with passengers, including a goodly number of Oak Hall students. At one place Sam Day and Shadow Hamilton came on board, followed by half a dozen snowballs, sent after them by boys who had come to see them off.
"Hi! stop that!" cried Sam Day, as he tried to dodge, and just then a snowball meant for his head took a somewhat stout man in the ear. The man uttered a cry of surprise, slipped on the platform of the car, and fell flat, crushing his valise under him. ”

“ Dave was a very busy boy for the next few days, perfecting his plans to visit England. Yet he managed to spend several happy hours with the others and especially with Jessie, who now acted more like a young lady than a girl. Truth to tell, Dave thought a great deal of the rich manufacturer's daughter, and Jessie seemed always to want him around, that they might sing together, or play games, or go out for a sleigh-ride.
"You mustn't forget us when you are in London," said Jessie. "I want you to send me some postal cards—the picture kind."
"I'll send you one every day," replied Dave. ”

“ Don't shake me to pieces!"
"Well, I never!" whispered Dave to Phil and Roger.
"Who is it?"
"Nat Poole."
"Oh my! but he's catching it right enough," chuckled the senator's son.
"Will unharness my horse!" went on Job Haskers. "Will throw me on my head in the snow! Oh, you imp!" And he continued to shake poor Nat until the latter's teeth rattled.
"I—I won't stand this!" cried Nat at last, and struck out blindly, landing a blow on the teacher's ear.
"Ha! so you dare to strike me!" spluttered Job Haskers. "I—I——"
"Let go! I haven't done anything!" roared Nat. "Let go, or I'll kick!" ”

“ From Plivohav the party was going to try to reach the top of the mountain called Thundercap."
"Is there any kind of a good road to Plivohav?" asked Dave, eagerly.
"No, it is a very poor road."
"Then we can't use the sleigh?"
"No, we'll have to go there either on foot or on horseback. The explorers used horses."
"Oh, let us go on horseback!" urged Roger. "I don't want to walk."
"I certainly prefer riding," added Dave.
"I'm not much in a saddle, but I fancy I can stand it," said Granbury Lapham. "We can take Hendrik with us, and as we have four steeds that will give each of us a mount." ”

“ Marcy was a close-fisted fellow who never wanted the schoolboys to have any of his fruit, and Dave, through no fault of his own, had once had considerable trouble with the fellow.
"I think Shadow is right," said Dave. "I saw that mule around Marcy's place. If he ran away we ought to take him back to where he belongs."
"Perhaps you'd have some fun trying to ride him," suggested Henshaw.
"Oh, pshaw! anybody could ride that mule," declared Roger. "Why, riding a mule is as easy as riding a horse. All mules don't love to kick."
"Roger shall have the honor of riding him home," said Messmer. ”

“ They burst into the house like a cyclone and nearly hugged him to death, and then shook hands all around, not forgetting Dave's father, who was quickly introduced.
"We simply couldn't stay away," said Phil. "We stormed Doctor Clay's office and he let us off until Monday morning."
"We want to hear all about your adventures in the far north," added Ben. "How you discovered the North Pole, and shot bears and wolves——"
"And gave Nick Jasniff his set-back," interrupted Sam. "And how you found your father."
"Which puts me in mind of a story," said Shadow. "A fellow once——"
"Hold hard, Shadow!" ”

“ But anything more than fitful dozes could not be had. The North Sea is well known for its violent storms during the winter months, and this one proved to be a "corker," as Dave called it afterwards. The waves were lashed into a tremendous fury, and some broke over the steamer's deck with terrific force, one carrying away a twenty-foot section of the forward rail. The high wind was accompanied by a snow that was as fine and hard as salt, and this sifted through every crack the windows and doors afforded. ”

“ Never let them walk over you. Old England every time, say I!" And he smiled broadly.
"I am much obliged to you for what you did," answered Dave, smiling back. "A fellow is at a disadvantage when he can't speak the language."
"That's true, lad. What part of our country do you come from?"
"I come from the United States, and so does my friend here," and the young American introduced himself and Roger.
"Well now, isn't that strange!" exclaimed the newcomer. "And I took you to be English lads sure. Well, next to being English I'd prefer to be an American. ”

“ He gave such a tight squeeze that the burgomaster was glad enough to release his hold.
"I say, what's the matter here?" demanded the man who had just come in, and spoke in a distinctly English tone of voice.
"He's been shoving me into a corner and I told him to quit," answered Dave, glad to be able to make himself understood to somebody besides Roger.
The Englishman looked at the Norwegian and gave a grunt of disgust. "Can't you let the lad alone?" he demanded, in Norwegian. "He's not hurting you any, is he? What's the use of acting as if you owned the whole coach?" ”

“ Roger was willing to do anything his chum suggested. It was a hard journey, over rocks that were sharp and slippery. In some spots they found a coating of ice and above their heads long icicles hanging from the roofing. Roger slipped and fell and came down with such a jar that a great icicle weighing at least twenty pounds came down close to his head, smashing into many pieces and scattering over both him and Dave.
"Hi! look out!" cried Dave. "If we got one of those on our heads——"
His voice echoed loudly throughout the cave, and then down came two more icicles, one hitting his shoulder. ”

“ But here a blinding snowstorm had brought them to a halt, the driver of the sleigh refusing to trust himself and his turnout on the mountain trail beyond.
"It is a bad road," said he to Granbury Lapham, in Norwegian. "A slip and a slide and we should all be killed. We must wait until the storm is over." And so they put up at this hut by the roadside, and the horses were stabled in a cow-shed in the rear.
The four days of traveling in the heart of Norway had been full of interest to Dave and Roger. ”

“ The snow did not bother them much, and before long they reached the outskirts of the village.
"There are the two men now!" cried Gus Plum, and pointed across the way.
"They are not going to the depot," answered Dave. "They are turning down Main Street. Supposing we follow them, Gus?"
"I'm willing, but I don't see what good it will do."
"Well, it won't do any harm."
The two men were burly individuals who had evidently seen better days. Each was shabbily dressed and each had a nose that was suspiciously red. Plum said that one was named Blodgett and the other Volney. ”

“ They heard the mountaineer call to his wife, and then, lantern in hand, he rushed outside and toward the sheepfold, back of the cow-shed.
"Some wolves have gotten among the sheep," explained Granbury Lapham, after a few words with the woman of the hut. "The man is going after them with his gun."
"Let us see if we can aid him!" exclaimed Roger, and slipped on such of his clothing as he had taken off. He had a loaded pistol in his pocket.
"If you go out, I'll go too," answered Dave, and followed his chum to the rear of the hut. ”

“ He tried to hold the horse back, but could not, and in a twinkling he was dragged over the dashboard and landed head first in the snow of the road. Then the horse, no doubt startled at the unusual proceedings, started off on a trot, dragging the teacher after him.
"Whoa, I say! Whoa there!" spluttered Job Haskers. "Whoa!" and he tried to regain his feet, only to plunge down once more, this time on his face. Then he let go the reins and the horse trotted off, coming to a halt near the campus gateway.
If ever there was an angry man that individual was Job Haskers. ”