He woke every time, however, before the fire was quite out, and hastened to send up a flare of flame.

As he did so the last time it was answered by a _hulloo_ from the rocks above, and shortly afterward Meroo, the scullion's, blubbering voice could be heard as he uttered thanks to Heaven.
"And the others ?" asked Roy anxiously, as out of the darkness Meroo appeared and cast himself at the lad's feet, bellowing joy.
"They come, they come! They are but a short way back.

I saw the fire, and the sight of it warmed the cockles of my heart! Lo! I shall cook once more! I shall not die hungry in the wilderness.

Nay! go not," for Roy was starting up.

"True! the women are nigh dead, and Foster-father hath his fingers frost-bitten, but--nay, put more flame to the fire, boy! It is the fire they need!" He was half beside himself, but he was right.