Now near at hand, now far away it rang as hollow as a bell.

The sawyers, the swampers, the skidders, and the team men turned and put on their heavy blanket coats.
Down on the road Thorpe heard it too, and wondered what it might be.
"Come on, Bub! she means chew!" explained old man Heath kindly.

Old man Heath was a veteran woodsman who had come to swamping in his old age.
He knew the game thoroughly, but could never save his "stake" when Pat McGinnis, the saloon man, enticed him in.

Throughout the morning he had kept an eye on the newcomer, and was secretly pleased in his heart of the professional at the readiness with which the young fellow learned.
Thorpe resumed his coat, and fell in behind the little procession.

After a short time he came upon a horse and sledge.