advancing cautiously with his torch.

I reloaded my gun, in case Pat should be right in his conjecture; but
the bear gave no signs of life, and getting up to him we found that he
was quite dead.

We lost no time in skinning him, and as soon as we had done so Martin
cut a few choice pieces out of the carcass, and hastened back with them
to the fire, while we finished the operation. He was a young animal,
less active or sagacious than his companions.

We at once carried the meat and skin into the house, where Martin had
some steaks ready for us. We lay down after supper with thankful hearts
that a supply of meat had been so providentially sent to us.

Bouncer had his share, and then composed himself to sleep near the door,
with one eye open ready to warn us of the approach of danger.

Feeling sure that no unfriendly Indians were likely to be in the
neighbourhood at that season of the year, we passed the night with a
feeling of perfect security.

We had now to determine what further course it would be best to pursue.
The meat of the young bear would last us for several days, and perhaps
some of its companions might return to the fort and allow themselves to
be shot; but the probability was, however, slight. Finding that there
was no food and that the fort was garrisoned, they were not likely again
to climb over the palisades. Should they not do so we might, after all,
be very hard pressed for food.

"What do you say, lads, to pushing forward at once to the fort at
Touchwood Hills? The journey is a long one, but we are likely to find
game on the way; and if not, the flesh of this bear economised will last
us till we get there," said Alick.

There were no dissentient voices. We agreed, however, to rest that day
and keep watch, on the possibility of another bear appearing. None
came, and early in the morning we again plunged into the wilderness of
snow.

For two days we travelled on without any adventure, looking out for game
as we had before done. The second day we encamped rather earlier than
usual, as we saw traces of several deer, which we resolved if possible
to run down.

Having hurriedly pitched our tent near a small wood, Alick, Martin, and
I started off, leaving Pat and Bouncer to guard the camp. Pat had his
gun ready, observing that perhaps a deer would come that way, and if so
he might hope to kill it.

Though no deer were in sight, their tracks were unmistakable, and we
were tempted to go o