nearly breaking
its poles and fastenings, to the horror and indignation of Mr Park, who
was smoking his pipe within, quietly waiting till Harry's superabundant
glee was over, that he might get an explanation of his unexpected
arrival among them.

"Ah, they will be good voyageurs!" cried one of the men, as he looked on
at this scene.

"Oui, oui! good boys, active lads," replied the others, laughing. The
two boys rose hastily.

"Yes," cried Harry, breathless, but still excited, "I'm going all the
way, and a great deal farther. I'm going to hunt buffaloes in the
Saskatchewan, and grizzly bears in the--the--in fact everywhere! I'm
going down the Mackenzie River--I'm going _mad_, I believe;" and Harry
gave another caper and another shout, and tossed his cap high into the
air. Having been recklessly tossed, it came down into the fire. When
it went in, it was dark blue; but when Harry dashed into the flames in
consternation to save it, it came out of a rich brown colour.

"Now, youngster," said Mr Park, "when you've done capering I should
like to ask you one or two questions. What brought you here?"

"A canoe," said Harry, inclined to be impudent.

"Oh! and pray for what _purpose_ have you come here?"

"These are my credentials," handing him a letter.

Mr Park opened the note and read.

"Ah! oh! Saskatchewan--hum--yes--outpost--wild boy--just so--keep him
at it--ay, fit for nothing else. So," said Mr Park, folding the paper,
"I find that Mr Grant has sent you to take the place of a young
gentleman we expected to pick up at Norway House, but who is required
elsewhere; and that he wishes you to see a good deal of rough life--to
be made a trader of, in fact. Is that your desire?"

"That's the very ticket!" replied Harry, scarcely able to restrain his
delight at the prospect.

"Well, then, you had better get supper and turn in, for you'll have to
begin your new life by rising at three o'clock to-morrow morning. Have
you got a tent?"

"Yes," said Harry, pointing to his canoe, which had been brought to the
fire and turned bottom up by the two Indians to whom it belonged, and
who were reclining under its shelter enjoying their pipes, and watching
with looks of great gravity the doings of Harry and his friend.

"_That_ will return whence it came to-morrow. Have you no other?"

"Oh yes," said Harry, pointing to the overhanging branches of a willow
close at hand, "lots more."

Mr Park smiled grimly, and tu