" he exclaimed, as he held it up.
"Providence has indeed been kind to us!"

"I propose that we light a fire where we are and cook it at once," said
Martin.

"I suggest that we move farther from the tree, as the scent is anything
but pleasant. These hawks have made nests here, and see! the ground is
covered with the remains of their feasts," I observed.

My advice was followed, and we quickly had a fire kindled, and the fish
we had so unexpectedly obtained roasting before it. It was none the
worse for having been in the claws of the hawk.

We saw the birds return, and hoped that they would again act as
fishermen for us; but after this they only caught small fish, which they
swallowed or tore to pieces as soon as they brought them out of the
water, and as it was important for us to husband our supply of
ammunition, which was not too plentiful, we did not wish to throw a shot
away. The ample breakfast which the fish afforded us greatly restored
our strength and spirits, and enabled us to consider calmly what course
it would be best to pursue.

"The first thing we have to do is to find our horses," said Alick. "We
will then return to obtain the meat which our Cree friends were to leave
`en cache' for us. Having obtained as much provision as we can carry,
we will then push on to Fort Ross, for it is obvious that we can do no
good by remaining in this neighbourhood. When there, I hope that Mr
Meredith will send notice to headquarters, and that a body of men may be
collected to rebuild the fort before the fall, or, if not, early in the
spring. It will not do to let the Indians suppose that they can drive
us out of the country."

Notwithstanding the weight we had to carry, consisting of our guns and
ammunition, and a change of clothing with the few other articles in our
knapsacks, and our saddles and bridles, we walked quickly on. About
midday we reached the valley where we expected to find the horses, but
not an animal was to be seen.

Robin, on examining the ground, declared that Indians had been there
lately, and we discovered before long indubitable signs that such was
the case. It was too clear, therefore, that after the attack on the
fort they had lifted all our cattle.

What, however, could have become of our own horses was the question.
They possibly might have followed the tracks of their companions. Alick
thought not.

"I am afraid," he said, "that our enemies may still be hovering about,
and tha