ould act. While Alick was
securing the cargo of Bouncer's sleigh, and I held the brave dog, who
once having got on the harness, was eager to set out. Pat led the way
with his sleigh to make a road, the direction we were to take having
before been arranged.

"Good-bye! good-bye!" we cried to the Indians, and away we started,
Martin following Pat, while I went just ahead of Bouncer, and Alick
brought up the rear, It continued to snow harder than we liked, though
as there was but little wind, we did not in consequence suffer. Pat,
whose sleigh was but lightly laden, went on bravely, he having wisely
placed his knapsack and gun upon it. We, having heavier weights to
carry, had at first some difficulty in keeping up with him; and as we
were compelled to proceed in Indian file, we could hold but little
conversation with each other.

Bouncer needed no whip, but followed closely at my heels, assisted by
Alick when any hill had to be surmounted.

At first we kept along the margin of the river; then having ascended the
bank, we found ourselves on level ground, covered by an almost unbroken
sheet of snow, here and there only a line of trees showing themselves
above the wide expanse of white.

Captain Grey had given Alick a compass, which much assisted us in
directing our course. The snow ceased about noon, and we halted in the
open plain, to enjoy what was decidedly a cold collation, for there was
no wood to light a fire, and we did not think it worth while to unpack
our sleigh to put up the tent.

We were more fortunate in the evening in reaching a thick grove,
sheltered by which we encamped. On Pat's sleigh were three short poles,
over which the little tent was stretched. It was large enough to allow
us four, with Bouncer, to creep inside, while the sleighs were placed
one on one side and one on the other, to prevent the canvas from being
blown away.

We made up our fire at a sufficient distance from the tent, to avoid the
risk of the flames catching it.

Captain Grey had supplied us with some tea and sugar, and I shall never
forget how much we enjoyed the warm beverage, after our long tramp
across the snow.

Having taken a good meal, we all turned in, wrapped in our
buffalo-robes, knowing that Bouncer would warn us should any enemy
approach. The only enemies we had to dread were bears or wolves, and we
should not have objected to be visited by one of the former, provided we
had time to get a fair shot at it.