to have been blowing them quite in the opposite
direction; and then, as he danced round to the other side to avoid them,
wheeling about and roaring viciously in his face, until it seemed as if
the poor man would be roasted long before the supper was boiled.
Indeed, what between the ever-changing and violent flames, the rolling
smoke, the steam from the kettle, the showering sparks, and the man's
own wild grimaces and violent antics, Pierre seemed to Charley like a
raging demon, who danced not only round, but above, and on, and through,
and _in_ the flames, as if they were his natural element, in which he
took special delight.

Quite close to the tent the massive form of Louis the guide lay
extended, his back supported by the stump of a tree, his eyes blinking
sleepily at the blaze, and his beloved pipe hanging from his lips, while
wreaths of smoke encircled his head. Louis's day's work was done. Few
could do a better; and when his work was over, Louis always acted on the
belief that his position and his years entitled him to rest, and took
things very easy in consequence.

Six of the boat's crew sat in a semicircle beside the guide and fronting
the fire, each paying particular attention to his pipe, and talking
between the puffs to any one who chose to listen.

Suddenly Pierre vanished into the smoke and flames altogether, whence in
another moment he issued, bearing in his hand the large tin kettle,
which he deposited triumphantly at the feet of his comrades.

"Now, then," cried Pierre.

It was unnecessary to have said even that much by way of invitation.
Voyageurs do not require to have their food pressed upon them after a
hard day's work. Indeed, it was as much as they could do to refrain
from laying violent hands on the kettle long before their worthy cook
considered its contents sufficiently done.

Charley sat in company with Mr Park--a chief factor, on his way to
Norway House. Gibault, one of the men who acted as their servant, had
placed a kettle of hot tea before them, which, with several slices of
buffalo tongue, a lump of pemmican, and some hard biscuit and butter,
formed their evening meal. Indeed, we may add that these viands, during
a great part of the voyage, constituted their every meal. In fact, they
had no variety in their fare, except a wild duck or two now and then,
and a goose when they chanced to shoot one.

Charley sipped a pannikin of tea as he reclined on his blanket, and
being somew