living had been the rule, starvation the exception. They had already
collected a large quantity of beaver-skins, which at that time were
among the most valuable in the market, although they are now scarcely
saleable!

Having shot two wild horses, seven elks, six small deer, and four
big-horned sheep, the day before they met Dick Varley, the camp-kettles
were full, and the people consequently happy.

"Now, Master Dick Varley," said Cameron, touching the young hunter on
the shoulder as he stood ready equipped by one of the campfires; "I'm at
your service. The people won't need any more looking after to-night.
I'll divide my men--thirty shall go after this rascally band of Peigans,
for such I believe they are, and thirty shall remain to guard the camp.
Are you ready?"

"Ready! ay, this hour past."

"Mount then, lad; the men have already been told off and are mustering
down yonder where the deer gave you such a licking."

Dick needed no second bidding. He vaulted on Charlie's back and along
with their commander joined the men, who were thirty as fine, hardy,
reckless-looking fellows as one could desire for a forlorn hope. They
were chatting and laughing while they examined their guns and saddle
girths. Their horses were sorry-looking animals compared with the
magnificent creature that Dick bestrode, but they were hardy,
nevertheless, and well fitted for their peculiar work.

"My! wot a blazer," exclaimed a trapper as Dick rode up.

"Where you git him?" inquired a half-breed.

"I caught him," answered Dick.

"Baw!" cried the first speaker.

Dick took no notice of this last remark.

"No, did ye though?" he asked again.

"I did," answered Dick, quietly; "I creased him in the prairie--you can
see the mark on his neck if you look."

The men began to feel that the young hunter was perhaps a little beyond
them at their own trade, and regarded him with increased respect.

"Look sharp now, lads," said Cameron, impatiently, to several dilatory
members of the band. "Night will be on us ere long."

"Who sold ye the bear-claw collar?" inquired another man of Dick.

"I didn't buy it. I killed the bear and made it."

"Did ye, though, all be yer lone?"

"Ay, that wasn't much, was it?"

"You've begun well, yonker," said a tall middle-aged hunter, whose
general appearance was not unlike that of Joe Blunt. "Jest keep clear
o' the Injuns an' the grog bottle an' ye've a glor'ous life before ye."

At this point t