this time nearly senseless. The bear's claws had torn him
fearfully about the breast and shoulders, besides having given him a
tremendous hug, but had, we hoped, injured no vital part. He was
unable, however, to speak or stand. We at once, therefore, formed a
litter with poles speedily cut from the banks of the stream, on which we
bore him back to the hut, leaving the Indians under the command of
Pierre to cut up the bears and bring in their flesh and skins, an
occupation to which they applied themselves with evident delight.

CHAPTER FOUR.

On arriving at the hut with our almost inanimate burden, we found the
captain and Charlie in a state of great anxiety to know what had
happened; for they had, I should have said, been undressed, and placed
in our hosts' beds, their wounds preventing them from putting on their
clothes. The captain insisted on turning out when he saw the sad
condition of Mark; and he moreover undertook to doctor him as well as he
was able. It appeared evident, however, that as soon as possible Mark
and Charley should be removed to the settlement, where they could obtain
surgical aid. Mark in a short time revived. From the captain's report,
we had hopes that, on account of his fine constitution, he would escape
inflammation, which was chiefly, under his circumstances, to be feared.

The Praegers had a light wagon, into which, soon after breakfast was
over the next morning, we put our three wounded companions, and leaving
Pierre and the Indians with Simon Praeger, we set off for Tillydrone.
We would gladly have had another day's rest, but the impossibility of
obtaining medical assistance for poor Mark and Charley made us willing
to undergo the fatigue.

The country was tolerably level, there being a fine open prairie, across
which we rattled at a good speed, though the unavoidable jolting must
have greatly tried our poor friends within. I was very thankful when
Mark, looking out of the wagon, told us that we were approaching his
father's house. Our cavalcade must have been seen, for in a short time
two horsemen came galloping up to us: the elder, a fine-looking,
middle-aged man, Mark saluted as his father; the other as brother Peter.
A few words explained what had happened. Mr Praeger immediately
invited us all to his house, while Peter started off as fast as he could
go to summon the doctor.

The house to which we were conducted was a picturesque,
comfortable-looking building, const