CHAPTER XII. 
AN ESCAPE^ AND A NEW ENEMY. 
OMING upon his sister's handkerchief, Robert's 
heart sank within him. Until his father and 
brothers were safe inside the hut, and the 
tattered caribou hide drawn across the en- 
trance, the boy did not dare to speak of his 
CHILKAT BRACE- J J X 
LET, MADE FROM t • 
SILVER com. discovery. 
As they threw themselves down on the skins and 
blankets that carpeted the cabin, the fire flared up for a 
moment. Instantly Mr. Button saw by Robert's expres- 
sion that something had gone wrong. 
" What's the matter, my boy ? " he asked quietly, after 
waiting a moment for the former to speak. 
Robert handed him the handkerchief, without a word, 
hardly daring to look into his father's face as he did so. 
Mr. Button controlled himself by a strong effort. 
"\i is Flossie's?" 
^'Yes, sir." 
There was another silence, that threatened to be broken 
by a wail from Teddy. While Hugh was hushing him 
up. Carlo gave a low growl, and at the same moment the 
hide across the doorway was pushed aside. 
140 
