s I
expected that he would do, being more aware even than Lily was of the
difficulties of such a journey at that season of the year, when at any
time a snow-storm might come on and cover the ground many feet in depth.
At last, however, when I told him what Lily had said, he consented. I
had intended to go alone, trusting to my rifle for support, should I
require more provisions than I could carry on my horse. As soon as I
announced my intention of starting, Dio entreated that he might
accompany me.

"I will keep up wid you, Massa Mike, however fast you may hab to go.
Watch at night when you camp, and will remain by you while I have life,
should you be attacked by Indians or grizzlies. Do let me go?"
exclaimed the faithful fellow.

"I only hesitated, Dio, lest you might suffer from the weather, should
the winter begin before we can get back," I answered.

He thanked me when I consented, as much as if I had granted him a great
favour. He at once proposed that, as the winds were already cold, we
should put on our warm clothing, so as to be prepared for snow and
frost, should it overtake us. As his advice was good, I of course
agreed to follow it.

The next morning we were on foot before daybreak. My father had
authorised me to offer a large fee to the surgeon, and he sent a message
entreating the commandant to allow him to come, and promising to send
him back under a strong escort if necessary.

Kathleen and Lily were up to get my breakfast and to see us off.

"May Heaven protect you, my boy, and bring you back in safety with the
doctor," said my father, as he wrung my hand.

Other farewells were said, and mounted on our favourite horses, with our
rifles and pistols ready to our hands, our buffalo robes and blankets
strapped behind us, and our haversacks filled with provisions and
cooking utensils hung to our saddles, we set off. The increasing light
enabled us to go at a good speed. We had got some distance from home,
when looking round I saw that Boxer was following us. I ordered him to
go back, but though always obedient, after stopping an instant, he came
on again, and as he had volunteered to undergo the fatigues of the
journey, I allowed him to come. As soon as I called him, he rushed
forward, leaping and barking to show his delight, and then fell behind
again, steadily making his way at the heels of our horses. With the
first part of the country we were well acquainted, and as the weather
promise